Biodegradation of polymer nanocomposites
Document Type
Book
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
The growing use of polymers in daily life has significantly increased plastic waste, which shows challenges for disposal due to its nonbiodegradable nature. This waste contributes to severe water pollution and soil contamination. Consequently, there is a heightened interest in developing biodegradable polymers through microbial and enzymatic processes, aiming to facilitate environmentally friendly disposal at the end of their lifecycle. Despite this interest, biodegradable polymers face challenges, particularly their higher costs and inferior mechanical properties compared to conventional polymers. This chapter provides a comprehensive study on biodegradable polymers, biodegradation mechanisms, environmental factors on the biodegradation process, and strategies for improving the biodegradation process. Detailed discussion was included on surface modifications of natural polymers and various treatment methods. Additionally, the chapter examined the partial conversion of conventional polymers to microbial degradable polymers and the incorporation of polymers, such as starch and cellulose, into synthetic polymers to improve biodegradability.
Recommended Citation
Aboelela, Dina, "Biodegradation of polymer nanocomposites" (2026). Biochemical Engineering. 27.
https://buescholar.bue.edu.eg/biochem_eng/27