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Avella A, Salse M, Sessini V, Mincheva R, Lo Re G. Reusable, Recyclable, and Biodegradable Heat-Shrinkable Melt Cross-Linked Poly(butylene adipate- co-terephthalate)/Pulp Biocomposites for Polyvinyl Chloride Replacement. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2024; 12:5251-5262. [PMID: 38577586 PMCID: PMC10988786 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Heat-shrinkable films are widely used as disposable secondary packaging but are conventionally made from fossil-based and nonbiodegradable polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene. To lower the environmental impact of such products, this work reports the development of recyclable, biodegradable, and partially biosourced heat-shrinkable biocomposites that are cost-competitive with existing shrink wraps. Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), a growing biodegradable thermoplastic, was simultaneously reinforced with pulp fibers and partially cross-linked in a single-step reactive melt processing. The designed peroxide-initiated reaction led to a 55 wt % cocontinuous insoluble gel incorporating all the pulp fibers into a cross-linked polymer network. In the solid state, the cross-linked biocomposite shows 60% elongation at break with a 200% increase in Young's modulus, while the only addition of pulp fibers stiffens and embrittles the matrix. Creep tests in the melt state indicated that the cross-linked network induces homogeneous shrinking even during the loading phase, demonstrating the potential use of the biocomposites as heat-shrinkable films. The shrinking also promotes the shape-memory of the biocomposite, which retains its dimensions after four cycles. The circularity of the materials was assessed by mechanical recycling and industrial composting, which have proven feasible end-of-life options for heat-shrinkable biocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Avella
- Department
of Industrial and Materials Science, Chalmers
University of Technology, Rännvägen 2A, 41258 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg
Wood Science Centre, Chalmers University
of Technology, Kemigården 4, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mathieu Salse
- Department
of Industrial and Materials Science, Chalmers
University of Technology, Rännvägen 2A, 41258 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Laboratoire
MATEIS, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées
Lyon, Bât. B. Pascal, Avenue Jean Capelle, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
- Wallenberg
Wood Science Centre, Chalmers University
of Technology, Kemigården 4, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Valentina Sessini
- Department
of Industrial and Materials Science, Chalmers
University of Technology, Rännvägen 2A, 41258 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department
of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Research
“Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain
- Wallenberg
Wood Science Centre, Chalmers University
of Technology, Kemigården 4, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rosica Mincheva
- Laboratory
of Polymeric and Composite Materials, University
of Mons (UMons), 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Giada Lo Re
- Department
of Industrial and Materials Science, Chalmers
University of Technology, Rännvägen 2A, 41258 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg
Wood Science Centre, Chalmers University
of Technology, Kemigården 4, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
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2
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Bartolucci L, Cordiner S, De Maina E, Kumar G, Mele P, Mulone V, Igliński B, Piechota G. Sustainable Valorization of Bioplastic Waste: A Review on Effective Recycling Routes for the Most Widely Used Biopolymers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097696. [PMID: 37175402 PMCID: PMC10178466 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastics-based materials have a high carbon footprint, and their disposal is a considerable problem for the environment. Biodegradable bioplastics represent an alternative on which most countries have focused their attention to replace of conventional plastics in various sectors, among which food packaging is the most significant one. The evaluation of the optimal end-of-life process for bioplastic waste is of great importance for their sustainable use. In this review, the advantages and limits of different waste management routes-biodegradation, mechanical recycling and thermal degradation processes-are presented for the most common categories of biopolymers on the market, including starch-based bioplastics, PLA and PBAT. The analysis outlines that starch-based bioplastics, unless blended with other biopolymers, exhibit good biodegradation rates and are suitable for disposal by composting, while PLA and PBAT are incompatible with this process and require alternative strategies. The thermal degradation process is very promising for chemical recycling, enabling building blocks and the recovery of valuable chemicals from bioplastic waste, according to the principles of a sustainable and circular economy. Nevertheless, only a few articles have focused on this recycling process, highlighting the need for research to fully exploit the potentiality of this waste management route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Bartolucci
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Cordiner
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele De Maina
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- Institute of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, 4036 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Pietro Mele
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mulone
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Bartłomiej Igliński
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Piechota
- GPCHEM, Laboratory of Biogas Research and Analysis, Legionów 40a/3, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
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3
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Scaffaro R, Citarrella MC, Morreale M. Green Composites Based on Mater-Bi ® and Solanum lycopersicum Plant Waste for 3D Printing Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15020325. [PMID: 36679205 PMCID: PMC9866952 DOI: 10.3390/polym15020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
3D printability of green composites is currently experiencing a boost in importance and interest, envisaging a way to valorise agricultural waste, in order to obtain affordable fillers for the preparation of biodegradable polymer-based composites with reduced cost and environmental impact, without undermining processability and mechanical performance. In this work, an innovative green composite was prepared by combining a starch-based biodegradable polymer (Mater-Bi®, MB) and a filler obtained from the lignocellulosic waste coming from Solanum lycopersicum (i.e., tomato plant) harvesting. Different processing parameters and different filler amounts were investigated, and the obtained samples were subjected to rheological, morphological, and mechanical characterizations. Regarding the adopted filler amounts, processability was found to be good, with adequate dispersion of the filler in the matrix. Mechanical performance was satisfactory, and it was found that this is significantly affected by specific process parameters such as the raster angle. The mechanical properties were compared to those predictable from the Halpin-Tsai model, finding that the prepared systems exceed the expected values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Scaffaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- INSTM, Consortium for Materials Science and Technology, Via Giusti 9, 50125 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Clara Citarrella
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Morreale
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (M.M.)
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4
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Mat Yasin N, Akkermans S, Van Impe JFM. Enhancing the biodegradation of (bio)plastic through pretreatments: A critical review. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 150:1-12. [PMID: 35780576 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As plastic packaging becomes nearly indispensable in the plastic economy, rigorous efforts have been made to recapture the material value form this waste stream, which is mostly composed of highly resistant plastics. Biodegradation offers an attractive alternative for conventional plastic waste treatment as this approach is environmentally friendly, has low cost and facilitates valorisation. Moreover, there is also an increasing interest in plastic pretreatments waste to enhance biodegradation. This review investigates the pretreatment methods that optimise plastic biodegradation by examining the process's mechanisms and key influencing factors, which can be categorised into: biotic factors, abiotic factors and polymer characteristics. Various types of chemical and physical pretreatments have demonstrated to effectively enhance biodegradation through oxidation and surface changes on the plastics, leading to increased bioconversion rates and biogas production. A critical evaluation of the various categories of pretreatment methods is presented. This evaluation leads to the conclusion that the category of non-thermal physical treatments is most promising, due to the relatively low energy requirements and the absence of a need for chemical additions. Moreover, non-thermal physical treatments have demonstrated application potential at large scale. Based on these conclusions, pretreatments are expected to be an integral part of the biodegradation of plastics within a circular economy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najwa Mat Yasin
- BioTeC+ - Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Gebroeders De Smetstraat 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Faculty of Ocean Engineering and Informatics, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), 21030 Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Simen Akkermans
- BioTeC+ - Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Gebroeders De Smetstraat 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Jan F M Van Impe
- BioTeC+ - Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Gebroeders De Smetstraat 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
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Green Composites Based on Hedysarum coronarium with Outstanding FDM Printability and Mechanical Performance. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14061198. [PMID: 35335529 PMCID: PMC8948608 DOI: 10.3390/polym14061198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The addition of natural scraps to biodegradable polymers has gained particular interest in recent years, allowing reducing environmental pollution related to traditional plastic. In this work, new composites were fabricated by adding 10% or 20% of Hedysarum coronarium (HC) flour to Poly (lactic acid) (PLA). The two formulations were first produced by twin screw extrusion and the obtained filaments were then employed for the fabrication of composites, either for compression molding (CM) or by fused deposition modeling (FDM), and characterized from a morphological and mechanical point of view. Through FDM it was possible to achieve dense structures with good wettability of the filler that, on the contrary, cannot be obtained by CM. The results indicate that the filler effectively acts as reinforcement, especially for FDM composites. The most remarkable enhancement was found in the flexural properties (+100% of modulus and ultimate strength), followed by tensile resistance and stiffness (+60%) and impact strength (+50%), whereas a moderate loss in tensile deformability was observed, especially at the highest loading. By adding HC to the polymeric matrix, it was possible to obtain a green, high-performance, and cost-effective composite, which could find applications for the fabrication of panels for furniture or the automotive industry.
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6
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Hedysarum coronarium-Based Green Composites Prepared by Compression Molding and Fused Deposition Modeling. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15020465. [PMID: 35057191 PMCID: PMC8778031 DOI: 10.3390/ma15020465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In this work, an innovative green composite was produced by adding Hedysarum coronarium (HC) flour to a starch-based biodegradable polymer (Mater-Bi®, MB). The flour was obtained by grinding together stems, leaves and flowers and subsequently sieving it, selecting a fraction from 75 μm to 300 μm. Four formulations have been produced by compression molding (CM) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) by adding 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of HC to MB. The influence of filler content on the processability was tested, and rheological, morphological and mechanical properties of composites were also assessed. Through CM, it was possible to obtain easily homogeneous samples with all filler amounts. Concerning FDM, 5% and 10% HC-filled composites proved also easily printable. Mechanical results showed filler effectively acted as reinforcement: Young’s modulus and tensile strengths of the composites increased from 74.3 MPa to 236 MPa and from 18.6 MPa to 33.4 MPa, respectively, when 20% of HC was added to the pure matrix. FDM samples, moreover, showed higher mechanical properties if compared with CM ones due to rectilinear infill and fibers orientation. In fact, regarding the 10% HC composites, Young’s modulus of the CM and FDM ones displayed a relative increment of 176% and 224%, respectively.
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7
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Films Based on Mater-Bi ® Compatibilized with Pine Resin Derivatives: Optical, Barrier, and Disintegration Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13091506. [PMID: 34067087 PMCID: PMC8124954 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mater-Bi® NF866 (MB) was blended with gum rosin and two pentaerythritol esters of gum rosin (labeled as LF and UT), as additives, to produce biobased and compostable films for food packaging or agricultural mulch films. The films were prepared by blending MB with 5, 10, and 15 wt.% of each additive. The obtained films were characterized by optical, colorimetric, wettability, and oxygen barrier properties. Moreover, the additives and the MB-based films were disintegrated under composting conditions and the effect of each additive on the biodegradation rate was studied. All films were homogeneous and optically transparent. The color of the films tended to yellow tones due to the addition of pine resin derivatives. All the formulated films presented a complete UV-transmittance blocking effect in the UVA and UVB region, and those with 5 wt.% of pine resin derivatives increased the MB hydrophobicity. Low amounts of resins tend to maintain the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) values of the neat MB, due to its good solubilizing and compatibilizing effects. The disintegration under composting conditions test revealed that gum rosin completely disintegrates in about 90 days, while UT degrades 80% and LF degrades 5%, over 180 days of incubation. As expected, the same tendency was obtained for the disintegration of the studied films, although Mater-Bi® reach 28% of disintegrability over the 180 days of the composting test.
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8
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Green Composites Based on PLA and Agricultural or Marine Waste Prepared by FDM. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13091361. [PMID: 33919389 PMCID: PMC8122657 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Three dimensional-printability of green composites is recently growing in importance and interest, especially in the view of feasibility to valorize agricultural and marine waste to attain green fillers capable of reducing bioplastic costs, without compromising their processability and performance from an environmental and mechanical standpoint. In this work, two lignocellulosic fillers, obtained from Opuntia ficus indica and Posidonia oceanica, were added to PLA and processed by FDM. Among the 3D printed biocomposites investigated, slight differences could be found in terms of PLA molecular weight and filler aspect ratio. It was shown that it is possible to replace up to 20% of bioplastic with low cost and ecofriendly natural fillers, without significantly modifying the processability and the mechanical performance of the neat matrix; at the same time, an increase of surface hydrophilicity was found, with possible positive influence on the biodegradability of such materials after disposal.
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9
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La Mantia FP, Ceraulo M, Testa P, Morreale M. Biodegradable Polymers for the Production of Nets for Agricultural Product Packaging. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14020323. [PMID: 33435465 PMCID: PMC7827185 DOI: 10.3390/ma14020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that the need for more environmentally friendly materials concerns, among other fields, the food packaging industry. This regards also, for instance, nets used for agricultural product (e.g., citrus fruits, potatoes) packaging. These nets are typically manufactured by film blowing technique, with subsequent slicing of the films and cold drawing of the obtained strips, made from traditional, non-biodegradable polymer systems. In this work, two biodegradable polymer systems were characterized from rheological, processability, and mechanical points of view, in order to evaluate their suitability to replace polyethylene-based polymer systems typically used for agricultural product net manufacturing. Furthermore, laboratory simulation of the above-mentioned processing operation paths was performed. The results indicated a good potential for biodegradable polymer systems to replace polyethylene-based systems for agricultural product packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Paolo La Mantia
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
- Consorzio INSTM, Via Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Paolo Testa
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Marco Morreale
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, Italy;
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Mistretta MC, La Mantia FP, Titone V, Botta L, Pedeferri M, Morreale M. Effect of ultraviolet and moisture action on biodegradable polymers and their blend. J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2280800020926653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, the suitability of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and PBAT/PLA blend samples to outdoor applications were investigated in terms of mechanical, morphological and visual properties in presence of ultraviolet action and water, finding that PLA in particular can be actually considered for such applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vincenzo Titone
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Botta
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mariapia Pedeferri
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Morreale
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
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11
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Jayathilaka LPI, Ariyadasa TU, Egodage SM. Development of biodegradable natural rubber latex composites by employing corn derivative bio‐fillers. J Appl Polym Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/app.49205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thilini U. Ariyadasa
- Department of Chemical and Process EngineeringUniversity of Moratuwa Moratuwa Sri Lanka
| | - Shantha M. Egodage
- Department of Chemical and Process EngineeringUniversity of Moratuwa Moratuwa Sri Lanka
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12
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Scaffaro R, Maio A, Gulino EF, Morreale M, La Mantia FP. The Effects of Nanoclay on the Mechanical Properties, Carvacrol Release and Degradation of a PLA/PBAT Blend. MATERIALS 2020; 13:ma13040983. [PMID: 32098312 PMCID: PMC7078646 DOI: 10.3390/ma13040983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The formulation of polymeric films endowed with the abilities of controlled release of antimicrobials and biodegradability is the latest trend of food packaging. Biodegradable polymer (Bio-Flex®)-based nanocomposites containing carvacrol as an antimicrobial agent, and a nanoclay as a filler, were processed into blown films. The presence of such hybrid loading, while not affecting the overall filmability of the neat matrix, led to enhanced mechanical properties, with relative increments up to +70% and +200% in terms of elastic modulus and elongation at break. FTIR/ATR analysis and release tests pointed out that the presence of nanoclay allowed higher carvacrol loading efficiency, reasonably hindering its volatilization during processing. Furthermore, it also mitigated the burst delivery, thereby enabling a more controlled release of the antimicrobial agent. The results of mass loss tests indicated that all the formulations showed a rather fast degradation with mass losses ranging from 37.5% to 57.5% after 876 h. The presence of clay and carvacrol accelerated the mass loss rate of Bio-Flex®, especially when added simultaneously, thus indicating an increased biodegradability. Such ternary systems could be, therefore, particularly suitable as green materials for food packaging applications, and for antimicrobial wrapping applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Scaffaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (E.F.G.); (F.P.L.M.)
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Andrea Maio
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (E.F.G.); (F.P.L.M.)
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Emmanuel Fortunato Gulino
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (E.F.G.); (F.P.L.M.)
| | - Marco Morreale
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesco Paolo La Mantia
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (E.F.G.); (F.P.L.M.)
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Ruggero F, Gori R, Lubello C. Methodologies to assess biodegradation of bioplastics during aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion: A review. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2019; 37:959-975. [PMID: 31218932 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x19854127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics are emerging on the market as sustainable materials which rise to the challenge to improve the lifecycle of plastics from the perspective of the circular economy. The article aims at providing a critical insight of research studies carried out in the last 20 years on the degradation of bioplastics under aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion conditions. It mainly focuses on the various and different methodologies which have been proposed and developed to monitor the process of biodegradation of several bioplastic materials: CO2 and CH4 measurements, mass loss and disintegration degree, spectroscopy, visual analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, across the wide range of studies, the process conditions of the experimental setup, such as temperature, test duration and waste composition, often vary from author to author and in accordance with the international standard followed for the test. The different approaches, in terms of process conditions and monitoring methodologies, are pointed out in the review and highlighted to find significant correlations between the results obtained and the experimental procedures. These observed correlations allow critical considerations to be reached about the efficiency of the methodologies and the influence of the main abiotic factors on the process of biodegradation of bioplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ruggero
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Firenze, Italy
| | - Riccardo Gori
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Firenze, Italy
| | - Claudio Lubello
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Firenze, Italy
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14
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Scaffaro R, Maio A, Sutera F, Gulino EF, Morreale M. Degradation and Recycling of Films Based on Biodegradable Polymers: A Short Review. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:E651. [PMID: 30970659 PMCID: PMC6523205 DOI: 10.3390/polym11040651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental performance of biodegradable materials has attracted attention from the academic and the industrial research over the recent years. Currently, degradation behavior and possible recyclability features, as well as actual recycling paths of such systems, are crucial to give them both durability and eco-sustainability. This paper presents a review of the degradation behaviour of biodegradable polymers and related composites, with particular concern for multi-layer films. The processing of biodegradable polymeric films and the manufacturing and properties of multilayer films based on biodegradable polymers will be discussed. The results and data collected show that: poly-lactic acid (PLA), poly-butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) and poly-caprolactone (PCL) are the most used biodegradable polymers, but are prone to hydrolytic degradation during processing; environmental degradation is favored by enzymes, and can take place within weeks, while in water it can take from months to years; thermal degradation during recycling basically follows a hydrolytic path, due to moisture and high temperatures (β-scissions and transesterification) which may compromise processing and recycling; ultraviolet (UV) and thermal stabilization can be adequately performed using suitable stabilizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Scaffaro
- University of Palermo, Department of Engineering, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Andrea Maio
- University of Palermo, Department of Engineering, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Fiorenza Sutera
- University of Palermo, Department of Engineering, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | | | - Marco Morreale
- Kore University of Enna, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, Italy.
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15
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Lo Re G, Sessini V. Wet Feeding Approach for Cellulosic Materials/PCL Biocomposites. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/bk-2018-1304.ch011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giada Lo Re
- Division of Biocomposites, Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Valentina Sessini
- Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials, University of Mons – UMONS, Place du Parc 23, 7000 Mons, Belgium
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Setti C, Suarato G, Perotto G, Athanassiou A, Bayer IS. Investigation of in vitro hydrophilic and hydrophobic dual drug release from polymeric films produced by sodium alginate-MaterBi® drying emulsions. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2018; 130:71-82. [PMID: 29928979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Emulsions are known to be effective carriers of hydrophobic drugs, and particularly injectable emulsions have been successfully implemented for in vivo controlled drug release. Recently, high internal phase emulsions have also been used to produce porous polymeric templates for pharmaceutical applications. However, emulsions containing dissolved biopolymers both in the oil and water phases are very scarce. In this study, we demonstrate such an emulsion, in which the oil phase contains a hydrophobic biodegradable polymer, MaterBi®, and the water phase is aqueous sodium alginate dispersion. The two phases were emulsified simply by ultrasonic processing without any surfactants. The emulsions were stable for several days and were dried into composite solid films with varying MaterBi®/alginate fractions. The films were loaded with two model drugs, a hydrophilic eosin-based cutaneous antiseptic and the hydrophobic curcumin. Drug release capacity of the films was investigated in detail, and controlled release of each model drug was achieved either by tuning the polymer fraction in the films during emulsification or by crosslinking sodium alginate fraction of the films by calcium salt solution immersion. The emulsions can be formulated to carry either a single model drug or both drugs depending on the desired application. Films demonstrate excellent cell biocompatibility against human dermal fibroblast, adult cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Setti
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Dipartimento di Informatica Bioingegneria, Robotica e Ingegneria dei Sistemi (DIBRIS), Universita Degli Studi di Genova, Via All'Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Suarato
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Perotto
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Ilker S Bayer
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
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Harrison JP, Boardman C, O'Callaghan K, Delort AM, Song J. Biodegradability standards for carrier bags and plastic films in aquatic environments: a critical review. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:171792. [PMID: 29892374 PMCID: PMC5990801 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.171792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter is encountered in aquatic ecosystems across the globe, including polar environments and the deep sea. To mitigate the adverse societal and ecological impacts of this waste, there has been debate on whether 'biodegradable' materials should be granted exemptions from plastic bag bans and levies. However, great care must be exercised when attempting to define this term, due to the broad and complex range of physical and chemical conditions encountered within natural ecosystems. Here, we review existing international industry standards and regional test methods for evaluating the biodegradability of plastics within aquatic environments (wastewater, unmanaged freshwater and marine habitats). We argue that current standards and test methods are insufficient in their ability to realistically predict the biodegradability of carrier bags in these environments, due to several shortcomings in experimental procedures and a paucity of information in the scientific literature. Moreover, existing biodegradability standards and test methods for aquatic environments do not involve toxicity testing or account for the potentially adverse ecological impacts of carrier bags, plastic additives, polymer degradation products or small (microscopic) plastic particles that can arise via fragmentation. Successfully addressing these knowledge gaps is a key requirement for developing new biodegradability standard(s) for lightweight carrier bags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse P. Harrison
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH3 9FD, UK
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Research Network ‘Chemistry Meets Microbiology’, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Carl Boardman
- School of Engineering and Innovation, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
| | | | - Anne-Marie Delort
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, CNRS, BP 10448, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jim Song
- Wolfson Centre for Materials Processing, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
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18
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Gamstedt EK. Moisture induced softening and swelling of natural cellulose fibres in composite applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1088/1757-899x/139/1/012003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Morreale M, Liga A, Mistretta MC, Ascione L, Mantia FPL. Mechanical, Thermomechanical and Reprocessing Behavior of Green Composites from Biodegradable Polymer and Wood Flour. MATERIALS 2015; 8:7536-7548. [PMID: 28793656 PMCID: PMC5458878 DOI: 10.3390/ma8115406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The rising concerns in terms of environmental protection and the search for more versatile polymer-based materials have led to an increasing interest in the use of polymer composites filled with natural organic fillers (biodegradable and/or coming from renewable resources) as a replacement for traditional mineral inorganic fillers. At the same time, the recycling of polymers is still of fundamental importance in order to optimize the utilization of available resources, reducing the environmental impact related to the life cycle of polymer-based items. Green composites from biopolymer matrix and wood flour were prepared and the investigation focused on several issues, such as the effect of reprocessing on the matrix properties, wood flour loading effects on virgin and reprocessed biopolymer, and wood flour effects on material reprocessability. Tensile, Dynamic-mechanical thermal (DMTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and creep tests were performed, pointing out that wood flour leads to an improvement of rigidity and creep resistance in comparison to the pristine polymer, without compromising other properties such as the tensile strength. The biopolymer also showed a good resistance to multiple reprocessing; the latter even allowed for improving some properties of the obtained green composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Morreale
- Facoltà di Ingegneria e Architettura, Università degli studi di Enna "Kore", Cittadella Universitaria, Enna 94100, Italy.
| | - Antonio Liga
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Maria Chiara Mistretta
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Ambientale, Aerospaziale, dei Materiali, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Palermo 90128, Italy.
| | - Laura Ascione
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Ambientale, Aerospaziale, dei Materiali, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Palermo 90128, Italy.
| | - Francesco Paolo La Mantia
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Ambientale, Aerospaziale, dei Materiali, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Palermo 90128, Italy.
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Milionis A, Ruffilli R, Bayer IS. Superhydrophobic nanocomposites from biodegradable thermoplastic starch composites (Mater-Bi®), hydrophobic nano-silica and lycopodium spores. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra04117h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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