1
|
Soo XYD, Muiruri JK, Wu WY, Yeo JCC, Wang S, Tomczak N, Thitsartarn W, Tan BH, Wang P, Wei F, Suwardi A, Xu J, Loh XJ, Yan Q, Zhu Q. Bio-Polyethylene and Polyethylene Biocomposites: An Alternative toward a Sustainable Future. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2400064. [PMID: 38594967 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE), a highly prevalent non-biodegradable polymer in the field of plastics, presents a waste management issue. To alleviate this issue, bio-based PE (bio-PE), derived from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane, offers an environmentally friendly alternative. This review discusses various production methods of bio-PE, including fermentation, gasification, and catalytic conversion of biomass. Interestingly, the bio-PE production volumes and market are expanding due to the growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. Additionally, the production of PE and bio-PE biocomposites using agricultural waste as filler materials, highlights the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. According to previous studies, addition of ≈50% defibrillated corn and abaca fibers into bio-PE matrix and a compatibilizer, results in the highest Young's modulus of 4.61 and 5.81 GPa, respectively. These biocomposites have potential applications in automotive, building construction, and furniture industries. Moreover, the advancement made in abiotic and biotic degradation of PE and PE biocomposites is elucidated to address their environmental impacts. Finally, the paper concludes with insights into the opportunities, challenges, and future perspectives in the sustainable production and utilization of PE and bio-PE biocomposites. In summary, production of PE and bio-PE biocomposites can contribute to a cleaner and sustainable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yun Debbie Soo
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Joseph Kinyanjui Muiruri
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
| | - Wen-Ya Wu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Jayven Chee Chuan Yeo
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Suxi Wang
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Nikodem Tomczak
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Warintorn Thitsartarn
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Beng Hoon Tan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Pei Wang
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Fengxia Wei
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Ady Suwardi
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Jianwei Xu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
| | - Xian Jun Loh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, #03-09 EA, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Qingyu Yan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Matos AZG, Dias ARDO, Rosa ACFDS, Nascimento Junior RDS, Braz CJDF, Carneiro da Silva LR, de Oliveira AD, Barbosa R, Alves TS. Natural Aging of Reprocessed Polypropylene Composites Filled with Sustainable Corn Fibers. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1788. [PMID: 39000643 PMCID: PMC11243845 DOI: 10.3390/polym16131788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural fiber reinforcements have the potential to enhance mechanical properties, thereby improving performance and durability in various applications. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the impact of environmental degradation over 120 days on reprocessed polypropylene (PP) reinforced with corn husk fiber (CHF) composites. The manufactured systems underwent rigorous analysis using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile testing. These analyses revealed that climatic conditions significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the mechanical properties of all systems. Photodegradation led to surface morphological changes and chemical structures. Regardless, adding CHF filler proved a key factor, as it allowed for less susceptibility to environmental degradation than the reprocessed matrix. These findings, therefore, provide robust evidence supporting the feasibility of using CHF composites for manufacturing agricultural containers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Zilverlan Germano Matos
- Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Technology Center, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil; (A.Z.G.M.); (A.R.d.O.D.); (R.d.S.N.J.); (C.J.d.F.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Alisson Rodrigues de Oliveira Dias
- Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Technology Center, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil; (A.Z.G.M.); (A.R.d.O.D.); (R.d.S.N.J.); (C.J.d.F.B.); (R.B.)
| | | | - Renato de Sousa Nascimento Junior
- Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Technology Center, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil; (A.Z.G.M.); (A.R.d.O.D.); (R.d.S.N.J.); (C.J.d.F.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Cristiano José de Farias Braz
- Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Technology Center, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil; (A.Z.G.M.); (A.R.d.O.D.); (R.d.S.N.J.); (C.J.d.F.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Lucas Rafael Carneiro da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil;
| | - Amanda Dantas de Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil;
| | - Renata Barbosa
- Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Technology Center, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil; (A.Z.G.M.); (A.R.d.O.D.); (R.d.S.N.J.); (C.J.d.F.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Tatianny Soares Alves
- Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Technology Center, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil; (A.Z.G.M.); (A.R.d.O.D.); (R.d.S.N.J.); (C.J.d.F.B.); (R.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Seculi F, Espinach FX, Julián F, Delgado-Aguilar M, Mutjé P, Tarrés Q. Evaluation of the Interface Strength in the Abaca-Fiber-Reinforced Bio-Polyethylene Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2686. [PMID: 37376332 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122686] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bio-based polymers, with any of their constituents based on nonrenewable sources, can answer the demands of society and regulations regarding minimizing the environmental impact. The more similar such biocomposites are to oil-based composites, the easier the transition, especially for companies that do not like the uncertainty. A BioPE matrix, with a structure similar to that of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), was used to obtain abaca-fiber-reinforced composites. The tensile properties of these composites are displayed and compared with commercial glass-fiber-reinforced HDPE. Since the strength of the interface between the reinforcements and the matrix is responsible for the exploitation of the strengthening abilities of the reinforcements, several micromechanical models were used to obtain an estimation of the strength of the interface and the intrinsic tensile strength of the reinforcements. Biocomposites require the use of a coupling agent to strengthen their interface, and once an 8 wt.% of such coupling agent was added to the composites, these materials returned tensile properties in line with commercial glass-fiber-reinforced HDPE composites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faust Seculi
- LEPAMAP-PRODIS Research Group, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | | | - Fernando Julián
- LEPAMAP-PRODIS Research Group, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | | | - Pere Mutjé
- LEPAMAP-PRODIS Research Group, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Quim Tarrés
- LEPAMAP-PRODIS Research Group, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|