UNITED KINGDOM: Biodegradable and recyclable sugar-based plastics

In a study for Angew Chemie, researchers from the University of Birmingham, UK, and Duke University, USA, describe the exceptional clarity, strength and toughness of new isosorbide and isomannide-based polymers, which have superior properties to conventional thermoplastic elastomers, are biodegradable and mechanically recyclable.

The polymer from isosorbide exhibits elastic recovery and superior toughness, as a result of the stereochemistry of the sugar groups in the materials. A joint patent application has been filed by the researchers seeking industrial partners.

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