Abstract
Aiming at reducing the environmental impact of low density polyethylene (LDPE) when employed as mulching film, this study was focused on the partial substitution of the material with proteins extracted from Hermetia illucens, also known as black soldier fly (BSF). Insects were reared on chicken manure and food leftovers in a circular economy perspective. To evaluate the effects of processing conditions and amount of BSF proteins on the properties of the final material the Design of Experiments technique was employed. Samples were obtained by hot mixing and compression molding, and their thickness, tensile stress, tensile strain, and Young modulus were measured and analyzed. According to mathematical models, the addition of BSF proteins in the mixture results in increased homogeneity and Young modulus of the material and in reduced tensile stress and strain. Results indicated that a LDPE-BSF proteins mixture of 50–50 wt%, processed at relative low temperature (130 °C) and time (3 min), ensures properties closer to pure molded LDPE (thickness = 0.8 mm, tensile stress = 6 MPa, tensile strain = 15% and Young modulus = 200 MPa) with lower environmental impact thanks to the high BSF proteins addition. Thereafter, BSF proteins can be employed as additive for LDPE for agricultural purposes, with processing methods feasible in an industrial perspective.
Highlights
Due to the increasing growth of human population and its demand for plastic materials, the research for more sustainable materials to be used for agricultural purposes is one of the main issues addressed by the European Union Council [1]
In a circular economy perspective, the present study focuses on obtaining bioplastic indirectly from food waste and agricultural leftovers, avoiding further use of soil suitable for agricultural purposes
strain at break (Strain) is observed by following from the lower to the higher values of black soldier fly (BSF) Protein, more precisely from 10 to 50 wt%, emphasizing that the inclusion of BSF proteins contribute to a strong modification of the Low density polyethylene (LDPE) network (Fig. 3a and b)
Summary
Due to the increasing growth of human population and its demand for plastic materials, the research for more sustainable materials to be used for agricultural purposes is one of the main issues addressed by the European Union Council [1]. The recycling process of conventional plastic in agricultural applications is expensive, time-consuming and has negative footprints for the environment, mainly because of the macro and microplastics that can remain in the soil, due to only partial degradation [2, 3]. This critical issue is emphasized when mulching films are considered, due to the fact that they are remarkably close to soil and their usage is increasing continuously in recent years. Biopolymer’s research and development need to be geared towards minimizing agricultural land use, avoiding drawbacks when mixed with conventional plastic, and promoting a fast and feasible industrial scale up
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