Biodegradable and Biobased Polyesters

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the potential replacement of fossil fuels, for the production of appropriate monomers using inexpensive and renewable starting materials, such as cellulose, starch, lignin, proteins, and vegetable oils, is increasingly being explored, with the aim of developing a more sustainable bio-based economy. The production of polymers from renewable resources is an old practice, and the first approach involved the modification of natural polymers. However, this practice is limited today, and most efforts are focused on the preparation of biobased monomers for polymer synthesis. These bio-based polymers constitute one of the fastest growing markets and current producers estimate that their production capacity will reach nearly 12 million tons by 2020.

Biobased polyesters is one of the most important classes, and there are many monomers available on the market for their synthesis, including acids (levulinic acid, succinic acid, sebacic acid, adipic acid, aspartic acid, terephthalic acid, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, vanillic acid, Itaconic acid, lactic acid, hydroxybutyric acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, etc.) and glycols (ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, isosorbide, xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol, etc.). Some biomass-derived polyesters, such as poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate), poly(butylene adipate), poly(butylene succinate adipate), etc., and non-degradable alipharomatic polyesters, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butylene teraphtahlate), poly(ethylene furan dicarboxylate) (PEF), poly(propylene furan dicarboxylate), poly(butylene furan dicarboxylate) (PBF), and several of their copolymers, are currently among the most promising biobased polyesters.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight the progress and fundamental aspects for the synthesis, characterization, properties, and application of biobased polyesters, as well as their copolymers, composites, and nanocomposites.

Prof. Dimitrios Bikiaris
Guest Editor

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