Eco-friendly additives for biodegradable polyesters: Recent progress in performance optimization and environmental impact reduction

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers have emerged as principal alternatives to petroleum-based polymers, which exert a detrimental impact on the environment. Among these, biodegradable polyesters stand out as particularly noteworthy, renowned for their exceptional properties that find application across diverse industries, including food packaging, biomedical devices, and agriculture. This comprehensive analysis delves into the impact of various additives, with a focus on eco-friendly ones, on biodegradable polyesters, as evidenced by recent research endeavors. The additives are systematically categorized to provide a nuanced understanding within distinct industrial contexts. In the exploration of these additives, a meticulous classification is employed, ensuring a focused analysis of each industry. Furthermore, this study is the first inclusive approach to categorizing additives for biodegradable polyesters. Noteworthy categories encompass hydrolysis stabilizers, oxidative and Ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers, nucleation agents, and crosslinking agents, each examined in detail within the scope of this review paper. The biodegradable polyesters under scrutiny in this review encompass PHA, PBS, and PBAT. The examination of these specific polymers allows for a focused and comparative analysis, shedding light on the nuanced responses to various additives within each polymer category. This review provides an in-depth discussion of the interplay between additives and biodegradable polyesters, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly materials across various industries.