Biodegradable Polymers for Process Intensification in Chemical Engineering: Challenges and Innovations

Biodegradable polymers represent a transformative advancement in chemical engineering, offering sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials. This review explores their role in process intensification, highlighting advancements like nanomaterial integration and bio-based synthesis that enhance thermal and mechanical properties. Specific innovations include embedding nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), cellulose nanocrystals, silica nanoparticles, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) to improve durability, conductivity, barrier properties, and photocatalytic activity. These advancements address challenges in high-stress industrial processes. Historical evolution and lifecycle management insights provide context for their application potential. Emerging uses extend beyond separation technologies and bioreactors to include energy storage, advanced catalysis, and environmental remediation. Despite advancements, challenges like high production costs, scalability, and material performance persist. Solutions such as hybrid composites and policy incentives are discussed, emphasizing the pivotal role of biodegradable polymers in achieving sustainability goals.