1
|
Toward the Decarbonization of Plastic: Monopolymer Blend of Virgin and Recycled Bio-Based, Biodegradable Polymer. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14245362. [PMID: 36559728 PMCID: PMC9784165 DOI: 10.3390/polym14245362] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Decarbonization of plastics is based on two main pillars: bio-based polymers and recycling. Mechanical recycling of biodegradable polymers could improve the social, economic and environmental impact of the use of these materials. In this regard, the aim of this study was to investigate whether concentrations of the same recycled biopolymer could significantly affect the rheological and mechanical properties of biodegradable monopolymer blends. Monopolymer blends are blends made of the same polymers, virgin and recycled. A sample of commercially available biodegradable blend was reprocessed in a single-screw extruder until two extrusion cycles were completed. These samples were exposed to grinding and melt reprocessed with 75% and 90% of the same virgin polymer. The blends were characterized by tensile tests and rheological tests. The results obtained showed that while multiple extrusions affected the mechanical and rheological properties of the polymer, the concentration of the reprocessed material present in the blends only very slightly affected the properties of the virgin material. In addition, the experimentally observed trends were accurately predicted by the additive model adopted.
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Photo-Oxidative and Soil Burial Degradation of Irrigation Tubes Based on Biodegradable Polymer Blends. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11091489. [PMID: 31547380 PMCID: PMC6780501 DOI: 10.3390/polym11091489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Irrigation tubes based on biodegradable polymers were prepared via an extrusion-drawing process by Irritec and compared to conventional pipes made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). A commercial polylactide/poly (butyleneadipate-co-butyleneterephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blend (Bio-Flex®) and Mater-Bi® were used. The polymers were characterized from rheological and mechanical points of view. Irrigation pipes were subjected to photoaging with continued exposure to UV radiation up to 22 days. The degradability in the soil of irrigation tube samples was studied. The influence of temperature and UV irradiation on soil burial degradation was investigated. A soil burial degradation test was carried out at 30 °C and 50 °C for up to 70 days. The degree of degradation was evaluated from the weight loss percentage. The degradation rate of irrigation tube samples based on Mater-Bi® was higher at 30 °C and was stimulated after 14 days of UV irradiation. Higher temperatures or UV aging encouraged the disintegration in soil of Bio-Flex®-based irrigation tubes. Furthermore, tube samples, before and after UV and soil burial degradation, were analyzed by Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infra-Red (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy.
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Injection Molding and Mechanical Properties of Bio-Based Polymer Nanocomposites. MATERIALS 2018; 11:ma11040613. [PMID: 29673143 PMCID: PMC5951497 DOI: 10.3390/ma11040613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The use of biodegradable/bio-based polymers is of great importance in addressing several issues related to environmental protection, public health, and new, stricter legislation. Yet some applications require improved properties (such as barrier or mechanical properties), suggesting the use of nanosized fillers in order to obtain bio-based polymer nanocomposites. In this work, bionanocomposites based on two different biodegradable polymers (coming from the Bioflex and MaterBi families) and two different nanosized fillers (organo-modified clay and hydrophobic-coated precipitated calcium carbonate) were prepared and compared with traditional nanocomposites with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as matrix. In particular, the injection molding processability, as well as the mechanical and rheological properties of the so-obtained bionanocomposites were investigated. It was found that the processability of the two biodegradable polymers and the related nanocomposites can be compared to that of the HDPE-based systems and that, in general, the bio-based systems can be taken into account as suitable alternatives.
Collapse
|
6
|
Effect of Cold Drawing on Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Fibers. J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2017; 15:e70-e76. [DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.5000328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Biodegradable polymers are currently gaining importance in several fields, because they allow mitigation of the impact on the environment related to disposal of traditional, nonbiodegradable polymers, as well as reducing the utilization of oil-based sources (when they also come from renewable resources). Fibers made of biodegradable polymers are of particular interest, though, it is not easy to obtain polymer fibers with suitable mechanical properties and to tailor these to the specific application. The main ways to tailor the mechanical properties of a given biodegradable polymer fiber are based on crystallinity and orientation control. However, crystallinity can only marginally be modified during processing, while orientation can be controlled, either during hot drawing or cold stretching. In this paper, a systematic investigation of the influence of cold stretching on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of fibers prepared from different biodegradable polymer systems was carried out. Methods Rheological and thermal characterization helped in interpreting the orientation mechanisms, also on the basis of the molecular structure of the polymer systems. Results and conclusions It was found that cold drawing strongly improved the elastic modulus, tensile strength and thermomechanical resistance of the fibers, in comparison with hot-spun fibers. The elastic modulus showed higher increment rates in the biodegradable systems upon increasing the draw ratio.
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kanelli M, Douka A, Vouyiouka S, Papaspyrides CD, Topakas E, Papaspyridi LM, Christakopoulos P. Production of biodegradable polyesters via enzymatic polymerization and solid state finishing. J Appl Polym Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/app.40820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kanelli
- Laboratory of Polymer Technology; School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens; Zografou Campus 15780 Athens Greece
- Laboratory of Biotechnology; School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens; Zografou Campus 15780 Athens Greece
| | - Aliki Douka
- Laboratory of Polymer Technology; School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens; Zografou Campus 15780 Athens Greece
| | - Stamatina Vouyiouka
- Laboratory of Polymer Technology; School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens; Zografou Campus 15780 Athens Greece
| | - Constantine D. Papaspyrides
- Laboratory of Polymer Technology; School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens; Zografou Campus 15780 Athens Greece
| | - Evangelos Topakas
- Laboratory of Biotechnology; School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens; Zografou Campus 15780 Athens Greece
| | - Lefki-Maria Papaspyridi
- Laboratory of Biotechnology; School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens; Zografou Campus 15780 Athens Greece
| | - Paul Christakopoulos
- Biochemical and Chemical Process Engineering, Division of Sustainable Process Engineering, Department of Civil; Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology; SE-971 87 Luleå Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kumar R, Josse C, Anandjiwala R. Dry and wet mechanical properties of polylactic acid in the presence of canola oil. ASIA-PAC J CHEM ENG 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/apj.1807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar
- Materials Science and Manufacturing; CSIR; P.O. Box 1124 Port Elizabeth 6000 South Africa
- Birla Institute of Technology; Mesra, Patna Campus Patna 800014 India
| | - Camille Josse
- Eco Conception Des Polymères et Composites; LIMATB; Rue de Saint Maudé, BP 92116 Lorient 56321 France
| | - Rajesh Anandjiwala
- Materials Science and Manufacturing; CSIR; P.O. Box 1124 Port Elizabeth 6000 South Africa
- Department of Textile Science; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University; P.O. Box 7700 Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa
| |
Collapse
|