Table of Contents

1 Introduction to the abiotic degradation of carbon chain polymers.- Summary.- 1.1 Abiotic polymer degradation: precursor to biodegradation.- 1.2 Environmental oxidation of polymers.- 1.3 Antioxidants and stabilizers.- 1.4 Control of polymer oxidation during processing and use.- References.- 2 An overview of biodegradable polymers and biodegradation of polymers.- Summary.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Biomedical polymers.- 2.3 Biodegradable polymers in polymer waste management.- 2.4 Conclusion.- References.- 3 Techniques and mechanisms of polymer degradation.- Summary.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 Inert and degradable polymers.- 3.3 Degradation mechanisms.- 3.4 Analyses and characterization.- References.- 4 Biodegradation of aliphatic polyesters.- Summary.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Biodegradation mechanisms.- 4.3 Biodegradable aliphatic polyesters.- 4.4 Conclusions.- References.- 5 Properties and applications of bacterially derived polyhydroxyalkanoates.- Summary.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Thermal and mechanical properties of PHBV (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate.- 5.3 Physical properties: increasing the sidechain length.- 5.4 Copolyesters of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 4-hydroxybutyrate (4HB).- 5.5 The crystal structure of PHBV polymers.- 5.6 Thermal stability.- 5.7 Biodegradation.- 5.8 Processing techniques and applications used for the Biopol™ range of polymers.- 5.9 Conclusion.- References.- 6 Starch—polymer composites.- Summary.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 Starch-filled plastics.- 6.3 Thermoplastic starch.- 6.4 Starch-based materials on the market.- 6.5 Conclusions.- References.- 7 The science and engineering of polymer composite degradation.- Summary.- 7.1 Degradation mechanisms.- 7.2 The degradation equation.- 7.3 Definitions.- 7.4 Standards for biodegradable plastics.-7.5 Science of biodegradable blends.- 7.6 Conclusions.- Acknowledgements.- References.- 8 Ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymers.- Summary.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 Polymerization of E/CO.- 8.3 Analyses for CO content.- 8.4 Physical properties.- 8.5 Fabrication.- 8.6 Degradation mechanisms.- 8.7 Effects of degradation.- 8.8 Products of degradation.- 8.9 Early property loss.- 8.10 Effect of temperature on degradation.- 8.11 Litter simulation.- 8.12 Recycle of E/CO copolymer.- 8.13 Mixtures with other polymers.- 8.14 Potential new applications.- 8.15 Future directions.- References.- 9 Photo-biodegradable plastics.- Summary.- 9.1 The need for degradable polymers.- 9.2 Technical requirements of degradable polymers.- 9.3 Agricultural plastics.- 9.4 Packaging plastics.- 9.5 Control of biodegradation by means of antioxidants.- 9.6 Conclusions.- Acknowledgements.- References.- 10 Photodegradable plastics in agriculture.- Summary.- 10.1 The use of plastics in agriculture.- 10.2 The disposal of mulching films after use.- 10.3 Economic aspects of mulching films.- 10.4 Other applications of photodegradable plastics in agriculture.- References.- 11 The role of degradable polymers in agricultural systems.- Summary.- 11.1 Plasticulture.- 11.2 Photodegradable films.- 11.3 Mid-bed trenching.- 11.4 Nitrogenous fertilizer reduction.- 11.5 Acceleration of crop maturation.- 11.6 Potential crop contamination by heavy metals.- References.- 12 Plastics and the environment.- Summary.- 12.1 Introduction.- 12.2 Resource considerations for plastics.- 12.3 Energy and resource analysis.- 12.4 Environmental considerations for packaging materials.- 12.5 Paper versus plastic — an environmental assessment.- 12.6 The role of photodegradable plastics in packaging.- 12.7 Technology of photodegradableplastics.- 12.8 Comparative strategies for litter abatement.- 12.9 Biodegradation studies on photodegraded plastics.- References.- 13 Degradable polymers in waste and litter control.- Summary.- 13.1 The role of plastics in packaging.- 13.2 The biological cycle.- 13.3 The degradation environment.- 13.4 The systems approach to waste management.- 13.5 The compatibility of degradable plastics with other waste management procedures.- 13.6 Conclusions.- References.

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`The structure and presentation are excellent. It is a major contribution to the literature on polymer technology and will undoubtedly be widely read.'
Chemistry and Industry
`It will be of interest to polymer scientists in academia and industry, to environmental scientists, R&D scientists working on packaging, hygiene and agricultural applications, and biomedical scientists working on controlled drug release and prosthetics.'
Polymer International