Biopolymers and Biodegradable Polymers: Synthesis, Properties, Application and Degradation Behavior

Dear Colleagues,

Since the invention of the first synthetic polymer almost a century ago, polymers have proven to be an incredible boon for technological advancements due to their versatile properties. However, the environmental issues posed by the synthetic polymers are a cause for concern. Growing social awareness around the world, new environmental regulations, limited supplies of petroleum resources, and, most importantly, the unsustainable nature of such polymers today have compelled researchers to work on cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and long-term alternatives. Thus, biobased and biodegradable polymers are becoming more favourable options to be utilized in applications such as packaging, agriculture, commodities, medicine, and several other advanced areas due to their unique properties and obvious advantages. The unique properties of biobased and biodegradable polymers piqued scientists’ interest in a variety of novel applications. From this perspective, much research is now focused on renewable sources. Regarding their disadvantages, biopolymers in general have poor mechanical properties and limited processing capabilities. In order to overcome these drawbacks, biopolymers can be reinforced with fillers or nanofillers to make them useful in advanced applications. The present Special Issue focuses on the synthesis, properties, application, and degradation behaviour of biopolymers or biodegradable polymers and their composites. 

Dr. Vishal Gavande
Prof. Dr. Vasi Shaikh
Dr. Won-Ki Lee
Guest Editors

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