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R&D status of biodegradable polymers in Korea
Author(s) -
Kim Soo Hyun,
Kim Young Ha
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 1022-1360
DOI - 10.1002/masy.19991440109
Subject(s) - polyhydroxybutyrate , adipic acid , polycaprolactone , polyester , materials science , biodegradable polymer , starch , lactic acid , condensation polymer , polymer , extrusion , copolymer , bioplastic , succinic acid , chemical engineering , ethylene glycol , copolyester , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , chemistry , composite material , waste management , genetics , bacteria , engineering , biology
Several companies have developed inherently biodegradable plastics based on starch and foam for loose‐fill packaging material was the representing case. It is water soluble, but the change of the resilience and volume is less than several % when it is laid open at 32 °C, RH 70%. Starch‐based polyvinylalcohol, aliphatic polyester, polycaprolactone biodegradable polymers were developed also. The PET fiber manufacturing companies have developed aliphatic polyester biodegradable plastics based on diol (butanediol, ethylene glycol) and diacid (succinic acid, adipic acid). The polymers have shown good mechanical properties and processibilities. They have succeeded to apply for injection, films, sheets, extrusion coatings, filaments, non‐woven products, foams, and blow molding and lead this area in Korea. Polyhydroxybutyrate(PHB) and its copolymer were the first biodegradable polymer introduced in Korea. The gene cloning and recombinant technology was succeeded to produce PHB and PHB/V by E‐coli and to yield the higher productivity than before. Lactic acid production and direct condensation polymerization of lactic acid is also being developed.