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Gonçalves LFFF, Reis RL, Fernandes EM. Forefront Research of Foaming Strategies on Biodegradable Polymers and Their Composites by Thermal or Melt-Based Processing Technologies: Advances and Perspectives. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1286. [PMID: 38732755 PMCID: PMC11085284 DOI: 10.3390/polym16091286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The last few decades have witnessed significant advances in the development of polymeric-based foam materials. These materials find several practical applications in our daily lives due to their characteristic properties such as low density, thermal insulation, and porosity, which are important in packaging, in building construction, and in biomedical applications, respectively. The first foams with practical applications used polymeric materials of petrochemical origin. However, due to growing environmental concerns, considerable efforts have been made to replace some of these materials with biodegradable polymers. Foam processing has evolved greatly in recent years due to improvements in existing techniques, such as the use of supercritical fluids in extrusion foaming and foam injection moulding, as well as the advent or adaptation of existing techniques to produce foams, as in the case of the combination between additive manufacturing and foam technology. The use of supercritical CO2 is especially advantageous in the production of porous structures for biomedical applications, as CO2 is chemically inert and non-toxic; in addition, it allows for an easy tailoring of the pore structure through processing conditions. Biodegradable polymeric materials, despite their enormous advantages over petroleum-based materials, present some difficulties regarding their potential use in foaming, such as poor melt strength, slow crystallization rate, poor processability, low service temperature, low toughness, and high brittleness, which limits their field of application. Several strategies were developed to improve the melt strength, including the change in monomer composition and the use of chemical modifiers and chain extenders to extend the chain length or create a branched molecular structure, to increase the molecular weight and the viscosity of the polymer. The use of additives or fillers is also commonly used, as fillers can improve crystallization kinetics by acting as crystal-nucleating agents. Alternatively, biodegradable polymers can be blended with other biodegradable polymers to combine certain properties and to counteract certain limitations. This work therefore aims to provide the latest advances regarding the foaming of biodegradable polymers. It covers the main foaming techniques and their advances and reviews the uses of biodegradable polymers in foaming, focusing on the chemical changes of polymers that improve their foaming ability. Finally, the challenges as well as the main opportunities presented reinforce the market potential of the biodegradable polymer foam materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F. F. F. Gonçalves
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs–Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs–Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Emanuel M. Fernandes
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs–Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
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Gu Y, Shen Y, Wu T, Hu F, Wang T. Comprehensive enhancement of flame retardant starch/cellulose/diatomite composite foams via metal-organic coordination. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131313. [PMID: 38569997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the utilization of biomass for producing bio-based foams, such as starch-based foams. Despite their renewability and widespread availability, these foams still present certain drawbacks regarding their poor mechanical properties and flammability. To tackle these concerns, a metal ion cross-linking strategy was employed by incorporating calcium ions (Ca2+) solution into foamed starch/cellulose slurry. Followed by ambient drying, starch/cellulose composite foam was successfully fabricated with a remarkable enhancement in various properties. Specifically, compared to the control sample, the compressive strength and modulus increased by 26.2 % and 123.0 %, respectively. Additionally, the Ca2+ cross-linked starch/cellulose composite foam exhibited excellent heat resistance, water stability, and flame retardancy. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) reached 52 %, with a vertical combustion rating of V-0. Along with the addition of 2 phr diatomite, it demonstrated a significant enhancement on flame retardancy with a LOI of 65 %, although the apparent density of the composite foam was not low enough. This study indicated a green and simple method to obtain starch-based composite foams with enhanced comprehensive properties including thermal, water stability, mechanical, and flame retardancy, expanding their potential applications in areas such as building materials and rigid packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Gu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Yucai Shen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Tinghao Wu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Fangzhou Hu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Tingwei Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
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Janik W, Jakubski Ł, Kudła S, Dudek G. Modified polysaccharides for food packaging applications: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 258:128916. [PMID: 38134991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Development of new food packaging materials is crucial to reduce the use of single-use plastics and to limit their destructive impact on the environment. Polysaccharides provide an alternative solution to this problem. This paper summarizes and discusses recent research results on the potential of modifying polysaccharides as materials for film and coating applications. Modifications of polysaccharides significantly affect their properties, as well as their application usability. Although modifications of biopolymers for packaging applications have been widely studied, polysaccharides have attracted little attention despite being a prospective, environmentally friendly, and economically viable packaging alternative. Therefore, this paper discusses approaches to the development of biodegradable, polysaccharide-based food packaging materials and focuses on modifications of four polysaccharides, such as starch, chitosan, sodium alginate and cellulose. In addition, these modifications are presented not only in terms of the selected polysaccharide, but also in terms of specific properties, i.e. hydrophilic, barrier and mechanical properties, of polysaccharides. Such a presentation of results makes it much easier to select the modification method to improve the unsatisfactory properties of the material. Moreover, very often it happens that the applied modification improves one and worsens another property, which is also presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Janik
- Łukasiewicz Research Network - Institute of Heavy Organic Synthesis "Blachownia", Energetyków 9, 47-225 Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Poland; Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Joint Doctoral School, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2a, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Jakubski
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, Strzody 9, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Stanisław Kudła
- Łukasiewicz Research Network - Institute of Heavy Organic Synthesis "Blachownia", Energetyków 9, 47-225 Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Poland.
| | - Gabriela Dudek
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, Strzody 9, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland.
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Shao GQ, Zhang H, Xu D, Wu FF, Jin YM, Yang N, Yu KJ, Xu XM. Insights into starch-based gels: Selection, fabrication, and application. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 258:128864. [PMID: 38158059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Starch a natural polymer, has made significant advancements in recent decades, offering superior performance and versatility compared to synthetic materials. This review discusses up-to-date diverse applications of starch gels, their fabrication techniques, and their advantages over synthetic materials. Starch gels renewability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, scalability, and affordability make them attractive. Also, advanced theoretical foundations and emerging industrial technologies could further expand their scope and functions inspiring new applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qiang Shao
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Huang Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economics, 6 Longzihu North Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Dan Xu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Feng-Feng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Ya-Mei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Na Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Ke-Jing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Xue-Ming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, PR China.
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Pacheco A, Evangelista-Osorio A, Muchaypiña-Flores KG, Marzano-Barreda LA, Paredes-Concepción P, Palacin-Baldeón H, Dos Santos MSN, Tres MV, Zabot GL, Olivera-Montenegro L. Polymeric Materials Obtained by Extrusion and Injection Molding from Lignocellulosic Agroindustrial Biomass. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4046. [PMID: 37896290 PMCID: PMC10610583 DOI: 10.3390/polym15204046] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review presents the advances in polymeric materials achieved by extrusion and injection molding from lignocellulosic agroindustrial biomass. Biomass, which is derived from agricultural and industrial waste, is a renewable and abundant feedstock that contains mainly cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. To improve the properties and functions of polymeric materials, cellulose is subjected to a variety of modifications. The most common modifications are surface modification, grafting, chemical procedures, and molecule chemical grafting. Injection molding and extrusion technologies are crucial in shaping and manufacturing polymer composites, with precise control over the process and material selection. Furthermore, injection molding involves four phases: plasticization, injection, cooling, and ejection, with a focus on energy efficiency. Fundamental aspects of an injection molding machine, such as the motor, hopper, heating units, nozzle, and clamping unit, are discussed. Extrusion technology, commonly used as a preliminary step to injection molding, presents challenges regarding fiber reinforcement and stress accumulation, while lignin-based polymeric materials are challenging due to their hydrophobicity. The diverse applications of these biodegradable materials include automotive industries, construction, food packaging, and various consumer goods. Polymeric materials are positioned to offer even bigger contributions to sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in the future, as research and development continues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Pacheco
- Bioprocesses and Biomass Conversion Research Group, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, La Molina 15024, Peru; (A.P.); (A.E.-O.); (K.G.M.-F.); (L.A.M.-B.); (H.P.-B.)
| | - Arian Evangelista-Osorio
- Bioprocesses and Biomass Conversion Research Group, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, La Molina 15024, Peru; (A.P.); (A.E.-O.); (K.G.M.-F.); (L.A.M.-B.); (H.P.-B.)
| | - Katherine Gabriela Muchaypiña-Flores
- Bioprocesses and Biomass Conversion Research Group, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, La Molina 15024, Peru; (A.P.); (A.E.-O.); (K.G.M.-F.); (L.A.M.-B.); (H.P.-B.)
| | - Luis Alejandro Marzano-Barreda
- Bioprocesses and Biomass Conversion Research Group, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, La Molina 15024, Peru; (A.P.); (A.E.-O.); (K.G.M.-F.); (L.A.M.-B.); (H.P.-B.)
| | - Perla Paredes-Concepción
- Grupo de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación en Alimentos, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, La Molina 15024, Peru;
| | - Heidy Palacin-Baldeón
- Bioprocesses and Biomass Conversion Research Group, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, La Molina 15024, Peru; (A.P.); (A.E.-O.); (K.G.M.-F.); (L.A.M.-B.); (H.P.-B.)
| | - Maicon Sérgio Nascimento Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Agroindustrial Processes Engineering (LAPE), Federal University of Santa Maria, 1040 Sete de Setembro St., Center DC, Cachoeira do Sul, Santa Maria 96508-010, RS, Brazil; (M.S.N.D.S.); (M.V.T.); (G.L.Z.)
| | - Marcus Vinícius Tres
- Laboratory of Agroindustrial Processes Engineering (LAPE), Federal University of Santa Maria, 1040 Sete de Setembro St., Center DC, Cachoeira do Sul, Santa Maria 96508-010, RS, Brazil; (M.S.N.D.S.); (M.V.T.); (G.L.Z.)
| | - Giovani Leone Zabot
- Laboratory of Agroindustrial Processes Engineering (LAPE), Federal University of Santa Maria, 1040 Sete de Setembro St., Center DC, Cachoeira do Sul, Santa Maria 96508-010, RS, Brazil; (M.S.N.D.S.); (M.V.T.); (G.L.Z.)
| | - Luis Olivera-Montenegro
- Bioprocesses and Biomass Conversion Research Group, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, La Molina 15024, Peru; (A.P.); (A.E.-O.); (K.G.M.-F.); (L.A.M.-B.); (H.P.-B.)
- Grupo de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación en Alimentos, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, La Molina 15024, Peru;
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