Environmentally degradable polymers are one of several solutions to the waste management of polymers, particularly those intended for one-time use, for example, fast-food wrappers and water-soluble polymers in detergents and cleaners. They are designed to degrade biologically, photolytically, or chemically, depending on the disposal exposure that they will encounter after use. Ideally, the all-mentioned degradation pathways should ultimately lead to the bioconversion of polymer into carbon dioxide (aerobic) or carbon dioxide/methane (anaerobic) and biomass. The goal is to reduce the environmental loading of polymeric waste through biological recycle as the polymers degrade and enter the carbon cycle. A major obstacle has been and continues to be the difficulty in establishing the extent of biogradation and the fate and effects of fragments left in the environment in cases where incomplete or slow biodegradation occurs. This has led to many questions regarding the future of environmentally degradable polymers, some of which will be explored in this symposium anticipated to run for two days.
Papers on the following topics are solicited:
- Polymers and blends designed to degrade biologically, photolytically, and
chemically
- Applications for environmentally degradable polymers, including plastics and
water-soluble polymers
- Degradation pathways, chemistry, and biology
- Specific disposal results, composting, waste-water treatment, etc.
- Standard laboratory test methods for degradation and correlation with
real-world exposure
- Regulatory status of degradable polymers
- Processing of degradable polymers
Graham Swift
Rohm and Haas Company
Norristown Road
Spring House, PA 19422
Phone (215) 641-7756
Fax (215) 619-1631
rsiygs@rohmhaas.com
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