TABLE OF CONTENTS Maarten van der Zee
This chapter presents an overview of the current knowledge on the biodegradability of polymeric materials. The focus is in particular on the biodegradation of materials under environmental conditions. In vivo degradation of polymers used in biomedical applications is not covered because it is considered outside the scope of this handbook and has been extensively reviewed elsewhere [1, 2]. Nevertheless it is important to realise that the degradation of polymers in the human body is also often referred to as biodegradation.
A number of different aspects of assessing the potential, the rate, and the degree of biodegradation of polymeric materials are discussed. The mechanisms of polymer degradation and erosion receive attention, the major enzyme systems involved in biodegradation reactions are described, and factors affecting enzymic and non-enzymic degradation are briefly addressed. Particular attention is given to the ways for measuring biodegradation, including complete mineralisation to gasses (such as carbon dioxide and methane), water and possibly microbial biomass. Finally, some general conclusions about the biodegradability of polymeric materials are presented.
There is a worldwide research effort to develop biodegradable polymers for agricultural applications or as a waste management option for polymers in the environment. Until recently, most of the efforts were synthesis oriented, and not much attention was paid to the identification of environmental requirements for, and testing of, biodegradable polymers. Consequently, many unsubstantiated claims to biodegradability were made, and this has damaged the general acceptance.
An important factor is that the term...
