The emphasis in degradable polymers has changed since the first edition of this book. Biomedical and agricultural applications remain important topics of scientific and commercial interest in the second edition. However, an increased emphasis on composting as a means of recovering value from wastes has led to a new impetus to understand how plastics degrade in the environment and the implication of this for international standards. Polymers based on renewable resources are also a major topic in this edition but the debate continues about their long-term sustainability and ecological advantages over degradable man-made polymers.

Degradable Polymers will be of interest not only to academic and industrial scientists working on packaging, agricultural and medical applications of plastics but also to students of environmental science and legislators concerned with the effects of man-made materials in the environment.

From the reviews of the second edition:

"Degradable Polymers is of immense and topical value to academic and industrial scientists working on packaging, agricultural, and medical applications of plastics. A delightful book, it is clear and beautifully prepared in an invigorating manner which will encourage further reading in the several references provided. Students of environmental science will make constant reference to the material in the book. Any discussion or decision on the effects of man-made materials in the environment will have to take this book into account." (Current Engineering Practice, Vol. 47, 2002- 2003)

"This book comprises overviews of biodegradable polymers and highlight the ongoing changes in responsibility for package disposal from local authorities to the packaging producer. There is a total of more than 2,000 references which provide an excellent starting point for anyone commencing work in polymers. this book will be a valuable reference work in any academic or industrial library, especially for those working in medical and packaging fields." (T J Henman, Materials World, November 2004)

Inhalt

1. Why Biodegradable Polymers?.- 2. An Overview of Biodegradable Polymers and Biodegradation of Polymers.- 3. Degradation and Stabilization of Carbon-Chain Polymers.- 4. Techniques and Methods of Polymer Degradation.- 5. Biodegradation of Aliphatic Polyesters.- 6. Starch-Polymer Composites.- 7. Polymers from Renewable Sources.- 8. Sustainable Poly(Hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) Production.- 9. Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Properties and Modification for High Volume Applications.- 10. Biodegradable Polymers in Medicine.- 11. Environmentally Biodegradable Water-Soluble Polymers.- 12. Plastics and the Environment.- 13. Degradable Hydrocarbon Polymers in Waste and Litter Control.