Radiolabeling for polymers degradation studies: Opportunities and challenges ahead

The production of bio-based polymers as replacements for fossil-based ones is becoming increasingly important to the human society due to the decreasing availability of fossil resources combined with rising fuel prices, and their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are the main cause of climate change. There is strong societal and regulatory pressure for the development of more sustainable biodegradable bioplastics. Viable recycling options are still lacking for many of these plastics. Due to the novelty of biodegradable bioplastics valuable chains, more research is required to reduce technical and economic uncertainties and demonstrate the feasibility and economic competitiveness of them. Therefore, there is an urgent need for technology development and the design of transition paths towards structural changes in polymers establishing local and regional circular production 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 as well as their impact on ecosystem functioning. Extensive studies with accurate measurement tools and specialized analytical techniques are needed for this purpose. The radiolabeling technique (¹⁴C) allows the quantification of the degradation process of biopolymers by easily being able to distinguish between CO₂ which is 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 degradation studies that is compared under various conditions. In following, standard methods for ¹⁴C-labeling, as well as its potentials, obstacles, and deficiencies in usage, are also discussed.