10 Biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-coterephthalate) (PBAT)

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), PBAT, is a synthetic and 100% biodegradable polymer based on fossil resources. Most conventional plastics utilized today are produced from petroleum-based products, making them nondecomposable. With polymer manufacturing companies under constant scrutiny due to the effect nondegradable plastics have on the environment, biodegradable polymer production is growing at an exponential rate. However, developing new biodegradable polymers that can maintain the requirements of expected material properties has been a challenge for material manufacturers. When compared to other polymers, PBAT is classified as polyester. Aliphatic polyesters biodegrade efficiently because of ester bonds in the soft chain portion of the polymer. These ester bonds are broken down through hydrolysis, making the polymer degradable in almost any environment. In this chapter, key components of biodegradable PBAT and prominent blends of PBAT will be reviewed and analyzed for suitable end-use applications. This chapter will also provide a general understanding of the chemical composition of PBAT and how the addition of components effect the properties of the material.