Degradable Plastics: A Smart Approach to Various Applications

Abstract

The suitability of photodegradation and biodegradation technolo gies for specialty applications is discussed. The research on degradable polymers is reviewed with emphasis on the processes of photooxidation, pho tostabilization and photosensitization. The degradation mechanisms, reaction products, analytical procedures and additives are discussed. Also, recent devel opments on biodegradable materials are reported, including composites of com modity plastics with starch, polymers of α-hydroxyacids, etc. Biomedical plas tics based on lactic acid homopolymers or copolymers are another important field because of their versatility, which allows for successful product design. Typical applications are screws and plates used as implants for bone fixation or drug carriers. After the completion of a certain treatment, these materials degrade in the human body and do not require surgical retrieval.