Reactive extrusion of biodegradable aliphatic polyesters in the presence of free-radical-initiators: A review

•Reactive extrusion of biodegradable aliphatic polyesters in presence of free-radical modifiers•Mechanisms of the free radicals induced modification of aliphatic polyesters and their blends•Cross-linked, branched or degraded structures of biodegradable polyesters were characterized•Advantages and disadvantages of biodegradable polyesters modified by free-radical initiators Nowadays, growing attention is being paid to the environment and sustainability, what fully justified research works focused on modification of biodegradable polymers and their composites. In this field of research reactive extrusion seems to be the most promising approach, which fits well to sustainable development strategy. In the present work, the in-situ modification of biodegradable aliphatic polyesters and the compatibilization of their blends by the action of free-radical initiators has been reviewed. The main concerns are the mechanisms of the free radicals induced modification of aliphatic polyesters and their blends. The cross-linked, branched or degraded structures of the formed polymers/blends were comprehensively characterized as function of modifier type and processing conditions. Moreover, the reactive processing and various types of irradiation in respect to the inter chain modification of polymers were presented. Main advantages and disadvantages related to reactive extrusion of biodegradable aliphatic polyesters and their blends in presence of free-radical-initiators were also pointed and discussed. [Display omitted]