Renewable green polymers

  • Albertsson, Ann-Christine (Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)) ;
  • Edlund, Ulrica (Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)) ;
  • Hakkarainen, Minna (Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)) ;
  • Sjoberg, John (Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH))
  • Published : 2006.10.13

Abstract

Paralleled with the development of new materials we need to develop methods and techniques to reveal the environmental interaction and impact of the new materials. Small changes in the chemical structure or product formulation may render the product less environmentally adaptable. Degradation products formed from PLLA were identified after aging in different environments and their assimilation in the biotic environment was shown. Green and degradable hydrogels could be designed from renewable hemicelluloses and lactic acid. Hemicelluloses are a renewable and highly interesting raw material source for new green polymers.

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