title: Polyester-based (bio)degradable polymers as environmentally friendly materials for sustainable development.
abstract: This review focuses on the polyesters such as polylactide and polyhydroxyalkonoates, as well as polyamides produced from renewable resources, which are currently among the most promising (bio)degradable polymers. Synthetic pathways, favourable properties and utilisation (most important applications) of these attractive polymer families are outlined. Environmental impact and in particular (bio)degradation of aliphatic polyesters, polyamides and related copolymer structures are described in view of the potential applications in various fields.
authors.affiliation: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Polymers, Acad. Georgi Bonchev St., Bl. 103A, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria. jrydz@polymer.bas.bg.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rydz
authors.affiliation: Polish Academy of Sciences, Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, 34 M. Curie-Sklodowska St., Zabrze 41-800, Poland. wsikorska@cmpw-pan.edu.pl.
authors.forename: Wanda
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sikorska
authors.affiliation: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Polymers, Acad. Georgi Bonchev St., Bl. 103A, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria. mkyulavska@polymer.bas.bg.
authors.forename: Mariya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kyulavska
authors.affiliation: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Polymers, Acad. Georgi Bonchev St., Bl. 103A, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria. dchristo@polymer.bas.bg.
authors.forename: Darinka
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Christova
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D005658:Fungi / Q000378:metabolism; D006868:Hydrolysis; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009757:Nylons / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D009757:Nylons; D011091:Polyesters