TAC -OMP Backissu ( Phase IX )-

Phase IX Reports

Biodegradable Polymers (TABLE OF CONTENTS)

I. INTRODUCTION	1

II. SUMMARY	7
2.1 Classification	8
2.2 Market	14
2.3 Biosynthetic Polymers	17
2.4 Synthetic Polymers	20
2.5 Modified Natural Polymers	30

III. INDUSTRY STATUS	35
3.1 Biodegradable Polymers	35
3.2 Market	38
3.3 Biosynthetic Polymers	52
3.4 Synthetic Polymers	53
3.5 Modified Natural Polymers	66

IV. BIOSYNTHETIC POLYMERS	71
4.1 Polyhydroxy butylate	71
1) Manufacturing Method	71
2) Physical Properties and Biodegradability	75
3) Strength and Weakness	83
4) Recent R&D	84

V. SYNTHETIC POLYMERS	91
5.1 Polylactic Acid	91
5.2 Polycaprolactone	109
5.3 Polybutylene Succinate	129
5.4 Polyvinyl Alcohol	168
5.5 Polyester Carbonate	185
5.6 Polyurethane	198

VI. MODIFIED NATURAL POLYMERS	201
6.1 Cellulose Acetate	202
6.2 Chitosan-based Polymers	220
6.3 Starch-based Polymers	225

REFERENCES	235
PATENT REFERENCES	239
APPENDIX :List of Biodegradable Plastics Registered by Biodegradable Plastics Society (As of July 2003)