Polymer pollution and its solutions with special emphasis on Poly (butylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT))

The globe is facing the ever-increasing challenge of plastic pollution due to the single-use of plastic-based packaging material. The plastic material is being continuously dumped into the natural environment which causes serious harm to the entire ecosystem. Polymer degradation in nature is very difficult, so the use of biodegradable polymers instead of conventional polymers can mitigate this issue. In recent years, keeping plastic hazards in mind the production and implication of biodegradable plastics have significantly increased. This review focus on the use of poly (butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT), which is one of the most prospective and prevalent biodegradable polymers instead of non-biodegradable polymers. PBAT can be degraded by biological (actinomycetes, bacteria, fungus, and physical agents (biochemical processes) in aerobic as well as anaerobic environments defined by ASTM standards. Due to the advancement in molecular biology, many studies have reported specific microbes that can effectively degrade PBAT. Aliphatic polyesters undergo hydrolytic cleavage of ester groups, so they can be easily degraded by microorganisms. Microorganisms utilize polymer as their nutrient source, using this approach microorganisms can be isolated. Due to the good mechanical properties and biodegradability, aliphatic–aromatic polymers are being widely commercialized. Feed ratios and curing conditions of monomers are very important for controlling mechanical properties, degradation rates, crystallinity, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility of polymers. By considering published and current studies, we focused on synthesis, biodegradation mechanism, factors affecting the rate of biodegradation, application of biodegradable polymers especially emphasizing the synthesis, mechanical properties degradation mechanism of PBAT (Polybutylene adipate terephthalate) (biodegradable polymer).Graphical abstract