About this Research Topic
The negative impact of microplastics on the environment has attracted more and more attention. Therefore, it is impending for researchers and industries to develop biodegradable polymers. Up to now, many biodegradable polymers, including poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), cellulose, keratin, starch, chitosan, etc. have been applied in many fields, for example, food packaging, mulching film, textiles, medical area, and so on. However, the applications of these biodegradable polymers are restricted by their inherent drawbacks. For example, the products manufactured from PLA are expensive, the strength of keratin products from waste feathers is poor. Approaches, such as blending, are often used to improve the performances of biodegradable polymers. In this Research Topic, we hope to promote cutting-edge research about the modification and processing of biodegradable polymers and to make them a substitution to plastic products, which are currently serving in our daily life.
Microplastics pollution has attracted world-wide attention. Many countries have issued policies on the prohibition of non-degradable plastics to alleviate the environmental problems. Therefore, the development of biodegradable polymers is important and is of great significance. However, there are still limited amounts of biodegradable polymers available on the market, mainly due to their high price and incompetent properties. In this Research Topic, we call for fundamental research in the improvement of biodegradable polymers’ properties and functionalities. Especially, we want to provide a platform to share the frontier information with readers from laboratory to industries, promoting the development of biodegradable polymers.
The aim of the current Research Topic is to cover promising, recent, and novel research trends in the field of biodegradable polymers and composites. Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Synthesis, characterization, and processing of biodegradable polymers
• Research focusing on biopolymers such as PLA, PBAT, cellulose, keratin, starch, chitosan.
• Applications of biodegradable polymers for, but not limited to packaging, medicine, and agriculture.
• Studies on functional biodegradable polymers are highly encouraged.
Microplastics pollution has attracted world-wide attention. Many countries have issued policies on the prohibition of non-degradable plastics to alleviate the environmental problems. Therefore, the development of biodegradable polymers is important and is of great significance. However, there are still limited amounts of biodegradable polymers available on the market, mainly due to their high price and incompetent properties. In this Research Topic, we call for fundamental research in the improvement of biodegradable polymers’ properties and functionalities. Especially, we want to provide a platform to share the frontier information with readers from laboratory to industries, promoting the development of biodegradable polymers.
The aim of the current Research Topic is to cover promising, recent, and novel research trends in the field of biodegradable polymers and composites. Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Synthesis, characterization, and processing of biodegradable polymers
• Research focusing on biopolymers such as PLA, PBAT, cellulose, keratin, starch, chitosan.
• Applications of biodegradable polymers for, but not limited to packaging, medicine, and agriculture.
• Studies on functional biodegradable polymers are highly encouraged.
Keywords: Biodegradable polymers, Composite materials, Synthesis, Processing, Characterization, Application
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
