1
|
Gigante V, Cinelli P, Sandroni M, D’ambrosio R, Lazzeri A, Seggiani M. On the Use of Paper Sludge as Filler in Biocomposites for Injection Moulding. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:ma14102688. [PMID: 34065569 PMCID: PMC8160863 DOI: 10.3390/ma14102688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The potential use of paper sludge (PS) as filler in the production of bio-composites based on poly lactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) was investigated. PS/PLA/PBAT composites, with addition of acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) as biobased plasticizer, were produced with PS loadings up to 30 wt.% by twin-screw extrusion followed by injection moulding. The composites were characterized by rheological measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical tests (tensile and impact resistance) to study the effect of PS on the processability, thermal stability, crystallinity and mechanical performance of polymeric matrix. The optimized composites at higher PS content were successfully processed to produce pots for horticulture and, in view of this application, preliminary phytotoxicity tests were conducted using the germination test on Lepidium sativum L. seeds. Results revealed that developed composites up to 30 wt.% PS had good processability by extrusion and injection moulding showing that PS is a potential substitute of calcium carbonate as filler in the production of bio-composites, and the absence of phytotoxic effects showed the possibility of their use in the production of pots/items for applications in floriculture and/or horticulture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vito Gigante
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (R.D.); (A.L.)
- Department Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), Via Giusti 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cinelli
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (R.D.); (A.L.)
- Department Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), Via Giusti 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Sandroni
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (R.D.); (A.L.)
- Department Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), Via Giusti 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto D’ambrosio
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (R.D.); (A.L.)
- Department Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), Via Giusti 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Lazzeri
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (R.D.); (A.L.)
- Department Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), Via Giusti 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizia Seggiani
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (R.D.); (A.L.)
- Department Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), Via Giusti 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gigante V, Cinelli P, Righetti MC, Sandroni M, Polacco G, Seggiani M, Lazzeri A. On the Use of Biobased Waxes to Tune Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polyhydroxyalkanoates-Bran Biocomposites. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12112615. [PMID: 33172020 PMCID: PMC7694654 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, processability and mechanical performances of bio-composites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) containing 5, 10, and 15 wt % of bran fibers, untreated and treated with natural carnauba and bee waxes were evaluated. Wheat bran, the main byproduct of flour milling, was used as filler to reduce the final cost of the PHBV-based composites and, in the same time, to find a potential valorization to this agro-food by-product, widely available at low cost. The results showed that the wheat bran powder did not act as reinforcement, but as filler for PHBV, due to an unfavorable aspect ratio of the particles and poor adhesion with the polymeric matrix, with consequent moderate loss in mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation at break). The surface treatment of the wheat bran particles with waxes, and in particular with beeswax, was found to improve the mechanical performance in terms of tensile properties and impact resistance of the composites, enhancing the adhesion between the PHBV-based polymeric matrix and the bran fibers, as confirmed by predictive analytic models and dynamic mechanical analysis results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vito Gigante
- Inter University Consortium of Material Science and Technology, c/o Unit Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (G.P.); (A.L.)
| | - Patrizia Cinelli
- Inter University Consortium of Material Science and Technology, c/o Unit Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (G.P.); (A.L.)
- CNR-IPCF, National Research Council—Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Cristina Righetti
- CNR-IPCF, National Research Council—Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Marco Sandroni
- Inter University Consortium of Material Science and Technology, c/o Unit Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (G.P.); (A.L.)
| | - Giovanni Polacco
- Inter University Consortium of Material Science and Technology, c/o Unit Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (G.P.); (A.L.)
| | - Maurizia Seggiani
- Inter University Consortium of Material Science and Technology, c/o Unit Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (G.P.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Andrea Lazzeri
- Inter University Consortium of Material Science and Technology, c/o Unit Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (G.P.); (A.L.)
- CNR-IPCF, National Research Council—Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gigante V, Cinelli P, Righetti MC, Sandroni M, Tognotti L, Seggiani M, Lazzeri A. Evaluation of Mussel Shells Powder as Reinforcement for PLA-Based Biocomposites. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155364. [PMID: 32731554 PMCID: PMC7432286 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of biopolyesters, as polymeric matrices, and natural fillers derived from wastes or by-products of food production to achieve biocomposites is nowadays a reality. The present paper aims to valorize mussel shells, 95% made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), converting them into high-value added products. The objective of this work was to verify if CaCO3, obtained from Mediterranean Sea mussel shells, can be used as filler for a compostable matrix made of Polylactic acid (PLA) and Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). Thermal, mechanical, morphological and physical properties of these biocomposites were evaluated, and the micromechanical mechanism controlling stiffness and strength was investigated by analytical predictive models. The performances of these biocomposites were comparable with those of biocomposites produced with standard calcium carbonate. Thus, the present study has proved that the utilization of a waste, such as mussel shell, can become a resource for biocomposites production, and can be an effective option for further industrial scale-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vito Gigante
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (L.T.); (M.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Patrizia Cinelli
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (L.T.); (M.S.); (A.L.)
- National Research Council, Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes (CNR-IPCF), 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.C.R.)
| | - Maria Cristina Righetti
- National Research Council, Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes (CNR-IPCF), 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.C.R.)
| | - Marco Sandroni
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (L.T.); (M.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Leonardo Tognotti
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (L.T.); (M.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Maurizia Seggiani
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (L.T.); (M.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Lazzeri
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.G.); (M.S.); (L.T.); (M.S.); (A.L.)
- National Research Council, Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes (CNR-IPCF), 56124 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
de A Gerhardt LB, Sachetto-Martins G, Contarini MG, Sandroni M, de P Ferreira R, de Lima VM, Cordeiro MC, de Oliveira DE, Margis-Pinheiro M. Arabidopsis thaliana class IV chitinase is early induced during the interaction with Xanthomonas campestris. FEBS Lett 1997; 419:69-75. [PMID: 9426222 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(97)01332-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Endochitinases are widely distributed among higher plants, including a number of important crop species. They are generally considered to be involved in plant defence against potential pathogens. We have cloned a class IV chitinase gene (AtchitIV) from Arabidopsis thaliana. Southern blot analysis allowed the detection of two cross-hybridising genes in the A. thaliana genome. AtchitIV transcripts are detected in seedpods, but not in roots, inflorescence stems, leaves and flowers of healthy plants. The transcripts accumulated very rapidly in leaves after inoculation with Xanthomonas campestris. Maximum mRNA accumulation was reached one hour after infection and decreased to very low levels 72 hours after induction. This result suggests an involvement of AtchitIV in the initial events of the hypersensitive reaction. Nevertheless, A. thaliana plants transformed with the gus gene under the control of a class IV chitinase bean promoter, showed GUS activity in seed embryos. These data, together with the constitutive expression of the endogenous gene in the seedpods, points to additional physiological roles for this protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L B de A Gerhardt
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|