Recent advances in reactive extrusion processing of biodegradable polymer-based compositions

This review reports on recent advances in the design of biodegradable polymers built from petroleum and renewable resources using reactive extrusion processing. Reactive extrusion represents a unique tool to manufacture biodegradable polymers upon different types of reactive modification in a cost-effective way. Partially based on our ongoing research, ring-opening polymerization of biodegradable polyesters will be approached as well as the chemical modification of biodegradable polymers, particularly natural polymers. The development of environmentally friendly polymer of environmentally friendly polymer blends as well as (nano)composites from natural polymers, including natural fibers and nanoclays, through reactive extrusion, as an efficient way to improve the interfacial adhesion between these components, will be also discussed.