Recent advancements in the synthesis of bio-based PA and PET from biomass

Abstract Plastics have brought tremendous convenience to human civilization, but traditional production of plastics from fossil fuels is not sustainable and environmentally friendly. This gave rise to the research in bioplastics, which are obtained from renewable and sustainable sources, biomass. Bioplastics can be broadly divided into two classes, biodegradable and non-biodegradable bioplastics. In particular, non-biodegradable bioplastics is an attractive alternative option that has the potential to replace fossil-based plastics. This is because when compared to traditional plastics, non-biodegradable bioplastics are renewable, possess lower carbon footprint during synthesis, and resistant to degradation by microorganisms. Consequently, non-biodegradable bioplastics can be used in applications that mandate the utilization of durable and long-lasting polymeric materials. Currently, non-biodegradable bioplastics derived from biomass sources account for roughly 43.7% of all bioplastics, whereby bio-based polyamide (PA) makes up the majority, followed by bio-based polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), bio-based polyethylene (PE), and bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In this review, the recent advancements in the synthesis of bio-based PA and PET from biomass due to the large production of PA and ubiquitous nature of PET in the daily lives of humans.