Biodegradable Polymers and Their Role in Sustainable Materials

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers are materials designed to undergo degradation through biological, chemical, or environmental processes under suitable conditions. They have attracted increasing attention as potential alternatives or complements to conventional persistent plastics in applications where controlled degradation can provide environmental or functional benefits. Important biodegradable polymer families include polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, starch-based materials, polycaprolactone, and other bio-based or biodegradable systems. Their performance depends on molecular structure, crystallinity, molecular weight, additives, processing, and environmental conditions. This paper examines nine major dimensions of biodegradable polymers and their role in sustainable materials, including polymer structure, sources, degradation mechanisms, processing, packaging, biomedical applications, agriculture, environmental considerations, and challenges associated with industrial adoption and life-cycle sustainability.