ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates the family of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polymers of great interest from a sustainability standpoint, because they are produced by microbes feeding on sustainable feedstocks, and are biocompatible, biodegradable, and compostable. Because PHAs feature some properties similar to most widespread commodity fossil-based polymers, they offer an attractive sustainable alternative to them, but are currently penalized by their own high price. Definitions, grades, properties, production, market, and applications of PHAs are discussed. The properties of commercial feedstocks for additive manufacturing (AM) made of PHAs are described. An overview of the technical literature reporting the most recent R&D activity conducted on PHAs for AM is included. This activity is mostly relative to applications in the medical field, such as bone regeneration, which confirms that AM processes and their materials are contributing in driving technological advances.
