Polymers from biological sources: A literature review

Abstract

        Currently, a majority of polymers is produced from petrochemical substances. Due to the limited resources of petroleum and the non-degradability nature of these petrochemical-based polymers, the polymers from biological sources have been increasingly of interest. This type of polymers can be produced from renewable resources and most of them are biodegradable. This review article will describe the polymers that are synthesized from biological sources and processes including polyhydroxyalkanoate, poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate), polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), andpoly(trimethylene terephthalate). In addition, the synthesis, mechanical and thermal properties, and related applications of these polymers will be described.