Utilisation of agro-waste extract in thermoplastics

Abstract

Functionally active polymers were created through the incorporation of an extract from an agro-waste stream from the wine industry. Incorporation of this extract into three thermoplastics shows its potential to increase antioxidant activity, with minimal to no impact on the mechanical attributes of the polymers. Antioxidant activity was shown to be effective at a concentration of 1%(w/w) grape tannin in polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The ability to obtain antioxidant activity at low concentrations helps minimise costs and maintain polymer physical properties. The binding of the phenolic compounds results in low leachability, thereby ensuring that the active compounds remain in the polymer for greater long-term effectiveness.