Injection Moulding of Natural Hydrophilic Polymers in the Presence of Water

Abstract

Throughout history, natural polymers have been processed and used. The development of synthetic resins started in the last century. In recent decades, developments have almost exclusively been linked with polymer syntheses from petrochemicals and the introduction of new processing techniques. The present contribution is the first description of the modern thermoplastics processing of unmodified or untransformed natural hydrophilic polymers. Such processing leads directly from the natural polymer to a thermoplastic material. lt opens up a new future and basis for the economic, bulk production of polymer products which are no langer based on petrochemicals. The processed materials have a useful life and properties but are biodegradable with natural degradation products.