A review of the preparations, properties, and applications of smart biodegradable polymers

In response to the increasing amount of global plastic waste, biodegradable polymers have been brought into the spotlight. Recently, extraordinary progress has been made in the development of smart biodegradable polymers by researchers around the globe. Shape memory polymers, self-healing polymers, piezoelectric polymers, chromogenic polymers and magneto rheological elastomers are the known classifications of smart biodegradable polymers. Among all, piezoelectric polymers have the highest demand in the market. This review provides a brief look at the examples of smart biodegradable polymer, methods of modification, derived properties and suitable applications. Polylactic acid (PLA) was found to be the most common polymer matrix employed in creating smart biodegradable polymers. Used modification techniques include copolymerization, blending and composite forming. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) showed dominance in the former two methods of modification while the latter was suitable for all of the smart materials. This review aims to provide a summary on the state of biodegradable smart polymer research and showcase the overall progress. The authors hope to help in identifying research gaps for potential novelty and inspire new breakthroughs.