Novel Degradable Engineering Polyesters—Synthesis and Applications

Abstract

Some groups of polymers exhibiting high strength and excellent mechanical properties during long-time service are considered to be high tech engineering materials. A great deal of research has been done on such materials; the outstanding achievements of Herman Mark and his students (e.g., Carl Marvel and Otto Vogl) should be mentioned. The work of these researchers stimulated progress in all branches of the modern technology, and contributed significantly to the present state of art in this field.

Nowadays, however, another group of polymer materials is also playing an important role. These are biodegradable polymers designed for service during a terminated period of time. The importance of these materials is due to their numerous applications in medicine and biology, as well as to their utility in the recycling of polymers.