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Niu L, He X, Zhang X, Liang W, Lin Q, Li W. Insights into the enhanced mechanism of electron beam pretreatment on application performance for poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/acetylated cellulose composite plastics. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 330:121840. [PMID: 38368116 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.121840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
In this work, we developed a strategy to construct poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) composite plastics with excellent mechanical properties, superior thermal stability and enhanced biodegradability by combining acetylated celluloses (ECs) mediated by electron beam irradiation (EBI), which works as a toughening agent. With findings, the EBI pretreatment assisted with acetylation was applied to develop ECs materials with a higher degree of acetylation than acetylation alone. The pretreated ECs with increased hydrophobicity tended to decrease the chance of self-aggregation and enhanced the interfacial compatibility and adhesion with PBAT in PBAT/ECs composite plastics. Thus, PBAT/ECs composite plastics exhibited a smoother and more uniform surface structure during preparation and offered higher tensile strength, water vapor transmission rate, water absorption rate, thermal stability and degradation rate, and lower elongation at a break during application. On top of that, the PBAT/ECs composite plastics were characterized by a series of methods containing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, indicating that these properties are mainly caused by the acetylation of hydroxyl groups from cellulose and carboxyl groups of PBAT. The work is expected to expand the application scope of PBAT and cellulose and provide an attainable solution for a biodegradable substitute for traditional plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Niu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Xinyi He
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Xiuyun Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Wei Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Qian Lin
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Wenhao Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China.
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2
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Ko Y, Yang Y, Kim D, Lee YH, Ghatge S, Hur HG. Fungal biodegradation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)-polylactic acid-thermoplastic starch based commercial bio-plastic film at ambient conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141554. [PMID: 38430940 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Microbial biodegradation of commercially available poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)-polylactic acid-thermoplastic starch based bio-plastic has been pursued at high temperatures exceeding 55 °C. Herein, we first reported three newly isolated fungal strains from farmland soil samples of Republic of Korea namely, Pyrenochaetopsis sp. strain K2, Staphylotrichum sp. S2-1, and Humicola sp. strain S2-3 were capable of degrading a commercial bio-plastic film with degradation rates of 9.5, 8.6, and 12.2%, respectively after 3 months incubation at ambient conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed that bio-plastic film was extensively fragmented with severe cracking on the surface structure after incubation with isolated fungal strains. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis also revealed that high crystallinity of the commercial bio-plastic film was significantly decreased after degradation by fungal strains. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses of the fungal culture supernatants containing the bio-plastic film showed the peaks for adipic acid, terephthalic acid (TPA), and terephthalate-butylene (TB) as major metabolites, suggesting cleavage of ester bonds and accumulation of TPA. Furthermore, a consortium of fungal strain K2 with TPA degrading bacterium Pigmentiphaga sp. strain P3-2 isolated from the same sampling site exhibited faster degradation rate of the bio-plastic film within 1 month of incubation with achieving complete biodegradation of accumulated TPA. We assume that the extracellular lipase activity presented in the fungal cultures could hydrolyze the ester bonds of PBAT component of bio-plastic film. Taken together, the fungal and bacterial consortium investigated herein could be beneficial for efficient biodegradation of the commercial bio-plastic film at ambient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongseok Ko
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Youri Yang
- Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon, Gangwon State, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Dockyu Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon, 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hwan Lee
- GREEN-BIO Co., Ltd, 201, Venture Support Center, 333, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunil Ghatge
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea; GREEN-BIO Co., Ltd, 201, Venture Support Center, 333, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hor-Gil Hur
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Di Liberto EA, Dintcheva NT. Biobased Films Based on Chitosan and Microcrystalline Cellulose for Sustainable Packaging Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:568. [PMID: 38475252 DOI: 10.3390/polym16050568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition to a more sustainable lifestyle requires a move away from petroleum-based sources and the investigation and funding of renewable and waste feedstocks to provide biobased sustainable materials. The formulation of films based on chitosan and microcrystalline cellulose with potential applications in the packaging sector has been demonstrated. Glycerol is also used as a plasticizer in the formulation of flexible films, while mucic acid is used as a valid alternative to acetic acid in such films. The film based on chitosan, microcrystalline cellulose, glycerol, and mucic acid shows properties and a performance similar to those of the film formulated with acetic acid, and, in addition, it seems that the photo-oxidation resistance of the film based on mucic acid is better than that of the material containing acetic acid. The films were characterized using spectroscopy (FTIR and UV-vis), tensile testing, water contact angle measurements, surface observations, and photo-oxidation resistance measurements. The presence of microcrystalline cellulose enhances the mechanical behavior, UV barrier properties, and surface hydrophobicity of the film. The feasibility of formulating chitosan-based films, with or without microcrystalline cellulose, which exhibit good properties and performances is demonstrated. Mucic acid instead of acetic acid is used in the formulation of these film.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Alessia Di Liberto
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Nadka Tzankova Dintcheva
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- INSTM-National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology-Board of Sustainability of INSTM, Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
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4
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Yu W, Qiu R, Li M, Lei W. Effects of Wood Content and Modification on Properties of Wood Flour/Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate Biocomposites. Molecules 2023; 28:8057. [PMID: 38138546 PMCID: PMC10746050 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers have recently become attractive and have been increasingly used as matrix materials to replace fossil plastics due to concerns about the environmental issue. However, their application areas are limited due to their high costs and natural properties. In this study, we fabricated ecofriendly and economical polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) composites loaded with various concentrations of wood flour (WF) to investigate the effects on the PBAT and WF interfaces as well as the physical properties of the WF/PBAT biocomposites. Then, WF was acetylated with acetic anhydride, and the effect of WF acetylation on the mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposites were investigated. The results showed that the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus increased with WF loading in the composites, and acetylation could not only further increase these properties, but also increase the impact strength and elongation at break. The incorporation of WF would weaken the thermal stability of PBAT, but the thermal stability of the biocomposite could be improved after WF acetylation. The cold crystallization temperature and hydrophobicity of the WF/PBAT samples would be increased with the increasing load of the WF, while the melting enthalpy and the crystallinity of the samples reduced gradually. A morphological analysis of the modified composites revealed that the matrix exhibited greater interfacial interactions with the WF compared to the WF/PBAT. Considering the much lower cost of WF compared to PBAT, the improved properties of WF/PBAT biocomposites will make it economically competitive with other commercial polymers, and these biocomposites should have much wider application areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangwang Yu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing Vocational University of Industry Technology, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Rui Qiu
- College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Mengya Li
- College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wen Lei
- College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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5
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Bangar SP, Kajla P, Ghosh T. Valorization of wheat straw in food packaging: A source of cellulose. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 227:762-776. [PMID: 36563802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Wheat straw (WS) is one of the abundant categories of agricultural waste, which is usually abandoned and burned yearly, thus creating environmental issues. Traditionally, it is used for low-value purposes, mainly in cattle feeding or agricultural mulch, and the rest is burnt or thrown away. WS is a valuable candidate as raw material for being used as reinforcing fibers to fabricate biocomposites. Among existing strategies, one of the potential strategies to utilize such lignocellulosic biomasses includes the extraction of cellulose as a potential candidate in the fabrication of sustainable packaging. Exploring WS as a valuable source of cellulose could be a key strategy for enabling biopolymers in packaging, which relies on developing tailor-made materials from non-food and low-cost resources. In this regard, the valorization of WSs for packaging can add value to these underutilized residues and successfully contribute to the circular economy concept. The review addresses the valorization of WS as a source of cellulose and its nanostructured forms for food packaging applications. The review also discusses cellulose derivatives extraction using conventional or innovative techniques (microwave-assisted extraction, fractionation, mechanical fibrillation, steam-explosion, microfludization, enzymatic hydrolysis, etc.). The different applications of these extracted biopolymers in the packaging are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneh Punia Bangar
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson 29634, USA.
| | - Priyanka Kajla
- Guru Jambheshwar University of Science &Technology, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Tabli Ghosh
- Department of Food Engineering and Technology, Tezpur University, Assam, India
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6
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Aguiar A, Mariquito A, Gonçalves D, Pinho I, Marques AC. Biodegradable Microcapsules of Poly(Butylene Adipate- co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) as Isocyanate Carriers and the Effect of the Process Parameters. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15030665. [PMID: 36771965 PMCID: PMC9921966 DOI: 10.3390/polym15030665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), a biodegradable flexible, and tough polymer is herein used, for the first time, to encapsulate and protect isocyanate derivatives. Isocyanates are essential building blocks widely employed in the chemical industry for the production of high-performing materials. Microencapsulation of isocyanates eliminates the risks associated with their direct handling and protects them from moisture. In light of this, and having in mind eco-innovative products and sustainability, we present a straightforward process to encapsulate isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) using this biodegradable polymer. Spherical and core-shell microcapsules (MCs) were produced by an emulsion system combined with the solvent evaporation method. The MCs present a regular surface, without holes or cracks, with a thin shell and high isocyanate loadings, up to 79 wt%. Additionally, the MCs showed very good isocyanate protection if not dispersed in organic or aqueous solutions. Effects of various process parameters were systematically studied, showing that a higher stirring speed (1000 rpm) and emulsifier amount (2.5 g), as well as a smaller PBAT amount (1.60 g), lead to smaller MCs and narrower size distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Aguiar
- CERENA, DEQ, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- CIPADE—Indústria e Investigação de Produtos Adesivos, SA., Av. Primeiro de Maio 121, 3700-227 São João da Madeira, Portugal
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (A.C.M.)
| | - António Mariquito
- CERENA, DEQ, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diogo Gonçalves
- CERENA, DEQ, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pinho
- CIPADE—Indústria e Investigação de Produtos Adesivos, SA., Av. Primeiro de Maio 121, 3700-227 São João da Madeira, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Marques
- CERENA, DEQ, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (A.C.M.)
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7
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Lang H, Chen X, Tian J, Chen J, Zhou M, Lu F, Qian S. Effect of Microcrystalline Cellulose on the Properties of PBAT/Thermoplastic Starch Biodegradable Film with Chain Extender. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:4517. [PMID: 36365511 PMCID: PMC9659196 DOI: 10.3390/polym14214517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a fully biodegradable polymer with toughness and ductility. It is usually compounded with thermoplastic starch (TPS) to balance the cost for manufacturing biodegradable films such as disposable plastic bags. However, blending with TPS reduces valuable tensile strength, which limits the bearing capacity of PBAT film. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was employed as a reinforcement to strengthen the PBAT/TPS biodegradable film. The effect of MCC content on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the composite film were investigated. The optimal tensile strength and elongation at break reached 5.08 MPa and 230% when 4% MCC was added. The thermal stability and thermal resistance were improved with the addition of MCC; for example, Tmax increased by 1 °C and Tonset increased by 2-8 °C. Moreover, good compatibility among PBAT, TPS, and MCC can be achieved when the MCC content was below 6%. Consequently, the optimal MCC content was found to be 4%. These results could provide experimental data and method support for preparing high-performance PBAT hybrid films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Lang
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xianlei Chen
- Zhoushan Institute of Calibration and Testing for Quality and Technology Supervision, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Jiarong Tian
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Mengna Zhou
- Zhoushan Institute of Calibration and Testing for Quality and Technology Supervision, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Fangfang Lu
- Zhoushan Institute of Calibration and Testing for Quality and Technology Supervision, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Shaoping Qian
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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8
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Influence of wheat stalk nanocellulose on structural, mechanical, thermal, surface and degradation properties of composites with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate). Polym Bull (Berl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00289-022-04388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Visco A, Scolaro C, Facchin M, Brahimi S, Belhamdi H, Gatto V, Beghetto V. Agri-Food Wastes for Bioplastics: European Prospective on Possible Applications in Their Second Life for a Circular Economy. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:2752. [PMID: 35808796 PMCID: PMC9268966 DOI: 10.3390/polym14132752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Agri-food wastes (such as brewer's spent grain, olive pomace, residual pulp from fruit juice production, etc.) are produced annually in very high quantities posing a serious problem, both environmentally and economically. These wastes can be used as secondary starting materials to produce value-added goods within the principles of the circular economy. In this context, this review focuses on the use of agri-food wastes either to produce building blocks for bioplastics manufacturing or biofillers to be mixed with other bioplastics. The pros and cons of the literature analysis have been highlighted, together with the main aspects related to the production of bioplastics, their use and recycling. The high number of European Union (EU)-funded projects for the valorisation of agri-food waste with the best European practices for this industrial sector confirm a growing interest in safeguarding our planet from environmental pollution. However, problems such as the correct labelling and separation of bioplastics from fossil ones remain open and to be optimised, with the possibility of reuse before final composting and selective recovery of biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (S.B.); (H.B.)
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials-CNR IPCB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (S.B.); (H.B.)
| | - Manuela Facchin
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Mestre, Italy;
| | - Salim Brahimi
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (S.B.); (H.B.)
| | - Hossem Belhamdi
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (S.B.); (H.B.)
| | - Vanessa Gatto
- Crossing S.r.l., Viale della Repubblica 193/b, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
| | - Valentina Beghetto
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Mestre, Italy;
- Crossing S.r.l., Viale della Repubblica 193/b, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
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10
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Dhakal KN, Krause B, Lach R, Wutzler A, Grellmann W, Le HH, Das A, Wießner S, Heinrich G, Adhikari R. Electrically conductive nanocomposites based on poly(lactic acid)/flexible copolyester blends with multiwalled carbon nanotubes. J Appl Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/app.51554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kedar Nath Dhakal
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. (IPF) Dresden Germany
- Central Department of Chemistry Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur Kathmandu Nepal
- Nepal Polymer Institute (NPI) Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Beate Krause
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. (IPF) Dresden Germany
| | - Ralf Lach
- Polymer Service GmbH Merseburg (PSM) Merseburg Germany
| | - Andre Wutzler
- Polymer Service GmbH Merseburg (PSM) Merseburg Germany
| | | | - Hai Hong Le
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. (IPF) Dresden Germany
| | - Amit Das
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. (IPF) Dresden Germany
| | - Sven Wießner
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. (IPF) Dresden Germany
- Institut für Werkstoffwissenschaft Technische Universität Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Gert Heinrich
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. (IPF) Dresden Germany
- Institut für Textilmaschinen und Textile Hochleistungswerkstofftechnik Technische Universität Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Rameshwar Adhikari
- Central Department of Chemistry Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur Kathmandu Nepal
- Nepal Polymer Institute (NPI) Kathmandu Nepal
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST) Tribhuvan University Kathmandu Nepal
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11
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Botta L, Titone V, Mistretta MC, La Mantia FP, Modica A, Bruno M, Sottile F, Lopresti F. PBAT Based Composites Reinforced with Microcrystalline Cellulose Obtained from Softwood Almond Shells. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13162643. [PMID: 34451182 PMCID: PMC8399121 DOI: 10.3390/polym13162643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explores the processability, mechanical, and thermal properties of biocompostable composites based on poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) as polymer matrix and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) derived from softwood almond (Prunus dulcis) shells (as-MCC) as filler at two different weight concentration, i.e., 10 wt% and 20 wt%. The materials were processed by melt mixing and a commercial MCC (c-MCC) was used as filler comparison. The fibrillar shape of as-MCC particles was found to change the rheological behavior of PBAT, particularly at the highest concentration. The melt mixing processing allowed obtaining a uniform dispersion of both kinds of fillers, slightly reducing the L/D ratio of as-MCC fibers. The as-MCC particles led to a higher increase of the elastic modulus of PBAT if compared to the c-MCC counterparts. Both the MCC fillers caused a drastic reduction of the elongation at break, although it was higher than 120% also at the highest filler concentrations. DSC analysis revealed that both MCC fillers poorly affected the matrix crystallinity, although as-MCC induced a slight PBAT crystallinity increase from 8.8% up to 10.9% for PBAT/as-MCC 20%. Therefore, this work demonstrates the great potential of MCC particles derived from almond shells as filler for biocompostable composites fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Botta
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.T.); (M.C.M.); (F.P.L.M.); (F.L.)
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca “Riutilizzo Bio-Based Degli Scarti da Matrici Agroalimentari” (RIVIVE), Università degli Sudi di Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (F.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vincenzo Titone
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.T.); (M.C.M.); (F.P.L.M.); (F.L.)
| | - Maria Chiara Mistretta
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.T.); (M.C.M.); (F.P.L.M.); (F.L.)
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca “Riutilizzo Bio-Based Degli Scarti da Matrici Agroalimentari” (RIVIVE), Università degli Sudi di Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Francesco Paolo La Mantia
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.T.); (M.C.M.); (F.P.L.M.); (F.L.)
| | - Aurora Modica
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Bruno
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca “Riutilizzo Bio-Based Degli Scarti da Matrici Agroalimentari” (RIVIVE), Università degli Sudi di Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (F.S.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Francesco Sottile
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca “Riutilizzo Bio-Based Degli Scarti da Matrici Agroalimentari” (RIVIVE), Università degli Sudi di Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.B.); (F.S.)
- Dipartimento di Architettura, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Lopresti
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.T.); (M.C.M.); (F.P.L.M.); (F.L.)
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