Polymers 2013, 5(1), 1-18; doi:10.3390/polym5010001
Plastic Degradation and Its Environmental Implications with Special Reference to Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
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Received: 30 November 2012 / Revised: 18 December 2012 / Accepted: 19 December 2012 / Published: 28 December 2012
Abstract
With increasing global consumption and their natural resistance to degradation, plastic materials and their accumulation in the environment is of increasing concern. This review aims to present a general overview of the current state of knowledge in areas that relate to biodegradation of polymers, especially poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). This includes an outline of the problems associated with plastic pollution in the marine environment, a description of the properties, commercial manufacturing and degradability of PET, an overview of the potential for biodegradation of conventional polymers and biodegradable polymers already in production.Keywords:
biodegradation; polymers; poly(ethylene terephthalate); environment
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 3.0).
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Webb, H.K.; Arnott, J.; Crawford, R.J.; Ivanova, E.P. Plastic Degradation and Its Environmental Implications with Special Reference to Poly(ethylene terephthalate). Polymers 2013, 5, 1-18.
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