%0 Journal Article
%A Adeleh, Sara
%A Bol, Roland
%A Becker, Tabea
%A Herres-Pawlis, Sonja
%A Vereecken, Harry
%A Pütz, Thomas
%T Radiolabeling for polymers degradation studies: Opportunities and challenges ahead
%J Polymer degradation and stability
%V 230
%@ 0141-3910
%I Elsevier Science
%M FZJ-2024-06372
%P 111053 -
%D 2024
%X The production of bio-based polymers as replacements for fossil-based ones is becoming increasingly importantto the human society due to the decreasing availability of fossil resources combined with rising fuel prices, andtheir potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are the main cause of climate change. There is strongsocietal and regulatory pressure for the development of more sustainable biodegradable bioplastics. Viablerecycling options are still lacking for many of these plastics. Due to the novelty of biodegradable bioplasticsvaluable chains, more research is required to reduce technical and economic uncertainties and demonstrate thefeasibility and economic competitiveness of them. Therefore, there is an urgent need for technology developmentand the design of transition paths towards structural changes in polymers establishing local and regional circularproduction of bioplastics with potential impact on global economies.It is essential to understand the factors that control the environmental behavior and fate of such bioplastics aswell as their impact on ecosystem functioning. Extensive studies with accurate measurement tools andspecialized analytical techniques are needed for this purpose. The radiolabeling technique (14C) allows thequantification of the degradation process of biopolymers by easily being able to distinguish between CO2 whichis produced during degradation polymers and other carbon sources in natural environment.This review provides an overview of the application of the 14C-labeling technique in polymer degradationstudies that is compared under various conditions. In following, standard methods for 14C-labeling, as well as itspotentials, obstacles, and deficiencies in usage, are also discussed.
%F PUB:(DE-HGF)16
%9 Journal Article
%U <Go to ISI:>//WOS:001350419300001
%R 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2024.111053
%U https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/1032603