Biodegradation of poly (vinyl alcohol) based materials

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is recognized as one of the very few vinyl polymers soluble in water also susceptible of ultimate biodegradation in the presence of suitably acclimated microorganisms. Accordingly, increasing attention is devoted to the preparation of environmentally compatible PVA-based materials for a wide range of applications. The present article is aimed at providing a survey of the available information on the environmental fate of PVA and PVA-based materials. Literature data and recent advances on the biochemistry and microbial physiology of PVA biodegradation and on the influence of environmental conditions are discussed along with the biodegradation processes of other water-soluble materials. The biodegradation behaviors of several PVA-based materials including blends, composites and copolymers are also reviewed and discussed.