The need for innovative technologies to mitigate the environmental impact of polymer degradation

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the stated research gap and future-work section of the source papers, classified as general, spanning 4 journals. Those papers have been cited 3 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 5 representative gaps

• Property Recovery in Thermo-Mechanically Recycled Polyester Textiles via Virgin Material Addition and PBO Chain Extension (2026) · Recycling · doi

  The paper identifies a gap in the use of thermo-mechanical textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling at industrial scale due to reductions in polymer quality during reprocessing. It also highlights the lack of large-scale textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling operations capable of producing virgin-quality PET.

  generalstated research gap
  Keywords: paper identifies gap use thermo-mechanical textile-to-textile t2t recycling
• Property Recovery in Thermo-Mechanically Recycled Polyester Textiles via Virgin Material Addition and PBO Chain Extension (2026) · Recycling · doi

  research aimed at improving the efficiency, scalability, and sustainability of recycling methods is ongoing, - implementation of chemical monomer and biological recycling at scale is likely to take time, - investigation of the effects of different chain extenders and processing conditions on the viscosity of recycled textile waste

  generalfuture-work section
  Keywords: research aimed improving efficiency scalability sustainability recycling methods
• Eco-Friendly Polymer Composites Using Natural Fibers and Biodegradable Fillers: A Review (2026) · Innovation of Chemistry & Materials for Sustainability · doi

  Future research should focus on developing cost-effective biodegradable polymers. The properties and applications of eco-friendly polymer composites need to be further explored. The challenges and limitations of using biodegradable fillers and natural fibers in polymer composites need to be addressed.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: future research focus developing cost-effective biodegradable polymers properties
• A comprehensive review of biodegradable and sustainable polymers for textile applications (2026) · Tekstilna industrija · doi

  The textile sector is one of the most resource-intensive and polluting sectors in terms of water consumption, chemicals used, and the generation of waste. Biodegradable and sustainable substitutes made from renewable feedstocks or designed to be recyclable have received more attention lately. There is a need for improved recycling technologies, 3D printing using bio-based fibers, and smart biodegradable polymers.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: textile sector one resource-intensive polluting sectors terms water
• Valorization of Agri-Food Waste in Green Composites: Influence of Orange Peel Particulates on Mechanical, Thermal, and Antioxidant PLA Properties (2026) · Journal of Composites Science · cited 3× · doi

  The need for innovative technologies to mitigate the environmental impact of polymer degradation. The lack of development of polymers derived from organic waste precursors with suitable mechanical properties. The constraint of thermal degradation on the repeatability of plastic recycling processes.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: need innovative technologies mitigate environmental impact polymer degradation

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