Aqui Tem Química: Parte XIII. Plásticos Biodegradáveis e Sustentáveis

Resumo

This scientific dissemination work aims to compile, from the specialized literature, the technical concepts related to the main biodegradable synthetic polymeric materials and present them in an accessible and comprehensible manner. To this end, the study focuses on the synthetic polymers poly(lactic acid), polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate, poly(glycolic acid), and thermoplastic starch. The content will cover the applications of these materials, various preparation methods, their potential societal benefits, practical limitations, recent market data, and their effectiveness in reducing environmental pollution caused by plastics. From this analysis, the work seeks to assess the extent to which these alternatives represent viable strategies for addressing the environmental impacts associated with plastics (a broad term encompassing various moldable polymers), viewed through the lens of sustainable development. It is important to highlight that many biodegradable polymers and products derived from natural sources are already available on the market. Consequently, the central question under critical discussion in this text is whether biodegradable polymers can genuinely be considered sustainable solutions.