Study on Performance of Bio-based Adhesive for Bonding Tree Leaves

Yifu Yuan,Jiabin Zhang,Fang Sun,Yan Sun,Qi Li,Muxuan Li,Yuhan Sun,An Mao,Runan Zhang

doi:10.11648/j.ajaf.20190706.19

Yifu Yuan, Jiabin Zhang + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20190706.19

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Abstract

The traditional disposable foam plastic tableware is made from polymer materials. It is not decomposable and could bring serious problem to environment after the tableware is disposed. In order to solve this problem, a new type of green tableware made fromnatural materials (such as tree leaves) is developed and investigated. To obtain a green tableware product with good performance, the keytechnology is the bonding of tree leaves. In this study, the tree leaves were bonded by a type of bio-based adhesive synthesized in our lab. The structure, curing characteristics, and physical/mechanical properties of the adhesive were measured and analyzed. The effects of adhesive application rate, press time, and press temperature on the bonding performance of tree leaves were also investigated. The results showed that the general properties of the bio-based adhesive could meet the requirements for the production of tree leave tableware. After immerged in the water of 63°C for 3 hours, some of the bonded leaves could still have good bonds. Considering the production efficiency, cost, decorative effect, and bond performance, the optimal pressing parameters were: adhesive application rate: 100 g/m<sup>2</sup>; hot press temperature 70°C; hot press time 120 s. After bonded by bio-based adhesive, the tree leaves could be used as suitableraw materials for the production of green tableware.

Highlights

With the continuous improvement of people's living standards and the acceleration of life rhythm, more and more people begin to eat fast food
It is estimated that the annual consumption of disposable plastic tableware can be as many as over 10 billion sets and the number is still increasing quickly
The advance of technology could bring more conveniences for production and application, and could bring problem for recycling and reuse. Because these plastics could not decompose under atmospheric conditions and even are hard to be changed by light, heat, or climate [6, 7]

Summary

Introduction

With the continuous improvement of people's living standards and the acceleration of life rhythm, more and more people begin to eat fast food. The disposable plastic tableware is commonly white or transparent and made from polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other types of polymer materials [1,2,3]. These polymers are usually thermoplastics and have advantages of low cost, easy to process, good strength, and light weight. The advance of technology could bring more conveniences for production and application, and could bring problem for recycling and reuse Because these plastics could not decompose under atmospheric conditions and even are hard to be changed by light, heat, or climate [6, 7].

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