Biodegradable Fillers Research Articles

Evaluation of Composite Films Containing Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Cotton Gin Trash

The purpose of this work was to explore the possibility of using cotton gin trash (CGT) as an inexpensive and biodegradable filler for poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH). CGT was milled and screened to give fine particles, and the particles less than 150 um in size were used together with three PVOH polymers (with 1–20% vinyl acetate levels) to form composites. Up to 60% by weight of CGT could be incorporated into PVOH to form composite films. Relative to PVOH, these PVOH/CGT films showed reduced tensile strength and elongation at break but enhanced Young’s modulus. CGT was chemically modified through acetylation and succinylation; however, no significant improvement in mechanical properties was observed with these modifications, although acetylated CGT did exhibit somewhat improved elongation at break relative to unmodified CGT for the two PVOH polymers with higher vinyl acetate contents. Thus, for PVOH applications that need reduced cost but can tolerate decreased tensile strength and elongation, cotton gin trash can be used as a cost-effective filler.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Minimally Invasive Gluteal Augmentation.

There is increased emphasis on the importance of the gluteal region in the perception of beauty. Biodegradable fillers provide a nonsurgical method of augmenting and rejuvenating this area. To review pertinent aspects of anatomy, patient evaluation, injection technique, and complications for gluteal augmentation using injectable biodegradable fillers. The authors review the literature for poly-L-lactic acid-based gluteal augmentation. Like many aesthetic procedures, there is a paucity of literature on this emerging treatment modality (Level 4, Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Oxford). However, the collective clinical experience is that poly-L-lactic acid fillers are an effective treatment for patients seeking noninvasive gluteal enhancement with minimal downtime. Physicians must understand gluteal anatomy and avoid injecting deeply in the danger triangle to prevent intravascular injection into the gluteal vessels or injury to the sciatic nerve. Other safety elements include the use of blunt cannulas, reduced pressures, smaller volumes, and retrograde delivery. Gluteal augmentation with fillers can safely and effectively improve gluteal firmness, shape, proportion, and projection. Practitioners injecting fillers in the gluteal region must be aware of appropriate patient selection, regional anatomy, and safe injection techniques. Given the increasing demand for this procedure, further high-quality studies are needed.

Ecofriendly latex films from cassava starch-filled radiation pre-vulcanized natural rubber latex

ABSTRACTThe demands of the usage of hazardous ingredients for sulfur curing system in latex industries decrease with an increase in health-conscious and environmental awareness. This work demonstrates the incorporation of cassava starch (CS) as biodegradable fillers with natural rubber latex (NRL) through a sulfur-free crosslinking technique using radiation pre-vulcanization natural rubber latex (RVNRL) in comparison to sulfur pre-vulcanized natural rubber latex (PvNRL). The 20% CS dispersion was prepared, and 5–25 phr of dispersed CS content were compounded with NRL and formed into films by the coagulant dipping method. Microstructures and crystallinity of the films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction, and their mechanical properties of NRL/CS films were characterized by tensile and tear tests. The result revealed that the crystallinity of RVNRL films was lower than PvNRL films. The total bond of S−C from PvNRL contributes to high tensile strength compared to C−C intermolecular rubber bond from radiation vulcanization system. The trend of decrement of tensile properties from sulfur crosslinking was larger than radiation crosslinking, and both systems gave similar tensile behavior at 25 phr of CS content. This attributed to the better dispersion of CS in RVNRL as confirmed by SEM micrographs. It was found that the optimum tear strength of RVNRL/CS and PvNRL/CS films was obtained at 10 and 5 phr of filler content, respectively. The result presented in this study may facilitate a contribution to the current literature on the development of latex film by radiation pre-vulcanization for rubber industry in the future.

Properties of Films Prepared as Packaging Plastics from Blends of Synthetic Polymer and Biopolymer

Natural biopolymers were studied for their possible role as biodegradable fillers forlow-density polyethylene (LDPE) films. LDPE/biopolymer blends and films were prepared andcharacterized by the melt flow index (MFI) and tensile test. The addition of biopolymer to LDPEreduced the MFI values, the tensile strength and modulus, whereas the elongation at break increased.Interfacial interaction was better for LDPE/biopolymer blends containing soybean oil. Blendsprepared with oil showed the same behaviour as LDPE/biopolymer blends, indicating thatbiopolymer was the main factor that influenced the properties of blend.

Morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of extruded injection molded kenaf fiber reinforced polypropylene composites

The aim of this study is to explore the effect of coupling agent and surface treatment of natural fibers on the correlations among structural, thermal and mechanical behavior of injection molded composites. Polypropylene (PP)-based composites reinforced with kenaf fiber as a biodegradable filler were fabricated. Kenaf composites were prepared by adding 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt% of kenaf fibers into the matrix using melt mixing and injection molding considered as a simple, scalable, conventional, and efficient process, that is. Different concentrations of NaOH were applied to modify kenaf fibers. The scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and x-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis were conducted in order to find the optimum concentration of NaOH for the chemical treatment and to study the morphology of the fabricated specimens. Maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) was employed as the coupling agent. Moreover, the tensile, flexural and impact tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the specimens. Results showed that by the incorporation of kenaf fibers of up to 40 wt%, the tensile and flexural strength significantly improved by 100% and 120%, respectively, with respect to those exhibited by the neat PP. It was shown however that the impact strength decreased by around 18%. Moreover, the results of thermal analysis using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the addition of kenaf fibers into the PP matrix increases the melting and crystallization temperature, and the degree of crystallinity. The XRD analysis of composites further confirmed the influence of fibers on the PP crystallization behavior. The results of this work can further extend the use of natural fiber-reinforced PP composites for structural applications such as automotive interior parts.

Structure and Properties of Gas-Filled Biocomposites on the Basis of Polyethylene

Gas-filled composite materials were obtained by foaming of low density polyethylene (PE) and introduction of natural components. Particulate chemical gas-generating agent hydrocerol was used for the polyethylene porosity. Particulate biodegradable filler, wood flour, and corn starch were used as the natural components. Investigation of structure, physical, and physicomechanical properties of the materials was performed. It is shown that the polyethylene structure became inhomogeneous: pores and foreign inclusions were observed. The density and physicomechanical properties decreased. It is noted that such peculiarities of the material as low density and the presence of pores and particles of the hydroscopic filler increase the capacity for biodegradation. Evaluation of the capacity of the material to degrade in the environment was conducted. Results of the evaluation demonstrate the weight loss of the samples with the biodegradable filler, which may be explained by the destructive effect of microorganisms, partial washing of the filler, and fragmentation of the sample. The samples of the gas-filled composite materials, with reduced performance properties but retained at a sufficient level, proved the promising outlook for their application as packaging materials and sealing packaging elements for the nonfood goods.

The vibroisolation effectiveness of fiber reinforced natural composites compared to the elastomer materials produced from non-renewable resources

In this work, a number of test were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the vibroisolation composite consisting of a biodegradable polymer matrix (polylactid actid, PLA) and filler in the form of natural flax fibers, with a moisture content of 2.03% after drying in 80°C for 4 hours. To improve material dampening properties, PLA was plasticized with polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) and triethyl citrate (TEC). The flax fiber content of the composite was: 10, 20, 30 wt.%. Mechanical properties at bending and tensile were performed. For measurement of vibroisolation effectiveness, composite samples have been made the enable installation in the measurement system. The measuring system consisted of an unbalanced axial electric motor, resting on a steel frame placed on vibroisolators. For comparison the commercial grade vibroisolators were used. In order to evaluate the vibration damping of the system by vibroisolators, vibration engine frame vibration was forced by acceleration of the engine’s rotational speed to specific frequencies. It has been proven that the type of the plasticizer used in the composite changes the vibroisolation parameter. Also length and weight%. of the fibres results in lower material damping values.

The influence of surface structure of low industrial grade seaweed and semi‐refined carrageenan on mechanical and physical properties of natural rubber latex composites

Composites consisting of natural rubber (NR) latex as their matrix and low industrial grade seaweed (LIGS) and its extractive (semirefined carrageenan, SRC‐LIGS) as the filler were prepared via normal prevulcanization process. An analysis regarding the particle size and morphology of seaweed (LIGS and SRC‐LIGS), as well as surface properties and mechanical properties (tensile and tear properties) of NR latex composites, was consequently generated. Furthermore, post‐processing treatment for NR latex composites have also been studied, specifically involving leaching, heat aging, water absorption, and soil burial. The particle size of LIGS and SRC‐LIGS obtained was recorded to be lower than 100 μm. Thus, the results are indicative of SRC‐LIGS's role in improving the thermal properties of NR latex composites. After 8 weeks of soil burial, the incorporation of LIGS and SRC‐LIGS into the NR latex composites has accelerated biodegradation processes, thus highlighting their advantage as biodegradable fillers. These properties have consequently contributed to SRC‐LIGS/NR latex composites as a potential composite for use in biodegradable applications, such as polybag for pottery and plants. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:278–286, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Aspects Regarding Ageing of Compounds Based on Natural Rubber and Plasticized Starch

This paper presents a study on the behaviour of composites based on natural rubber and plasticized starch after aging under temperate climate conditions. Natural rubber blends containing different amounts of glycerine-plasticized starch as biodegradable filler were made. Analysis of samples after being kept for 1 year in temperate weather conditions shows a change in the surface of vulcanizates due to the influence of atmospheric factors. Surface oxidation and degradation was highlighted by: FTIR analysis (appearance of -OH, -COOH groups, etc.), SEM microscopy (appearance of cracks on the surface), immersion in water. The degradation of the materials is also highlighted by the decrease of the physical-mechanical properties, the gel fraction and crosslinking degree. The best aging behaviour was observed in the mixture containing a low amount of biodegradable starch and the worst behaviour was that of the control starch-free mixture.

MODIFICATION AND APPLICATION OF STARCH IN NATURAL RUBBER LATEX COMPOSITES

ABSTRACTThis study presents a review of recent studies on starch-filled NR latex composites. Starch is a renewable source of material for fillers in NR latex compounding to obtain composites with multifunctional properties for selected applications. However, starch is a non-reinforcing filler due to its large particle size. The compatibility of NR and starch is another significant issue during the processing of starch-filled NR latex composites due to the nature of both materials. However, based on our research work, a fine dispersion of starch in the rubber matrix can improve the properties of NR latex composites. A good starch dispersion can be achieved through modifications, such as physical or chemical treatments. These treatments include the ball-milling process, ultrasonic process, use of coupling agents, esterification, etherification, and graft copolymerization. The various processing methods of these composites are discussed, specifically pre-vulcanization, latex co-coagulation, and in situ polymerization process. The successful modifications of either micro- or nano-starch will improve the compatibility with hydrophobic NR matrix, thereby increasing the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. The potential of starch as a biodegradable filler for NR latex and the interparticle interaction of starch-filled NR latex composites are also discussed.

Utilization of <i>Metroxylan sagu</i> Pith Waste as Biodegradable Filler for Natural Rubber (NR) Latex Films

Utilization of agricultural waste toward sustainability has increase a value-added product from a natural resources nowadays. Metroxylan sagu pith waste (MSPW) is a residue from starch extraction process. This research aim to investigate the potential of MSPW as a biodegradable fillers to replace sago starch in Natural Rubber (NR) latex films. The MSPW flour is characterized and compared with sago starch. Results shown MSPW has almost similar properties with sago starch with high content of starch (60%) and moisture (80%). Spectra of MSPW and Sago Starch (SS) are very closed to one another due to the similarity of functional groups. SS has granular shape while MSPW has irregular shape under SEM analysis. The addition of MSPW shown slightly lower tensile properties and tear strength as compared to SS but still within the acceptable value. Thus, MSPW has high potiential to replace SS as biodegradable fillers in NR latex films.

Post-yield fracture correlations to morphological and micromechanical response of poly(ε-caprolactone)-based biocomposites

The present work investigates the effect of jack wood flour (JWF) content on the fracture toughness, tensile, impact, and morphological behavior of the prepared green biocomposites. From 0 to 35 wt% (volume fraction ( Φf) = 0–0.34) of JWF was incorporated as a reinforcing biodegradable filler into poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) matrix by melt compounding in a twin screw extruder. The tensile modulus increases by 80.48% at the highest Φf= 0.34, though marginal increment (13.71%) in the yield strength was registered. A sharp reduction in notched Izod impact strength (85%) was observed with increasing JWF content. The fracture toughness of the prepared biocomposites based on post-yield fracture mechanics concept was investigated by essential work of fracture (EWF) methodology. Incorporation of JWF into PCL matrix diminishes the EWF ( we), while increasing the non-essential work of fracture ( βwp). In the biocomposites, principally two mechanisms governed the fracture deformation. Large JWF particles act as stress concentration points and favor the crack initiation, while the smaller particles favor fibrillation which arrests the crack propagation enhancing the parameter βwpat lower concentration of JWF. Freeze-fractured surfaces show a degree of phase adhesion at lower Φfof JWF. The phase adhesion parameter obtained from micromechanical analysis of tensile properties suggesting the mechanical interlocking and interaction between PCL and JWF.

Exploring the versatility of fillers: volumisation and stimulation

Facial ageing is an ongoing, complex process affecting many different anatomical regions in various ways. Biodegradable dermal fillers are a well-known, effective treatment option to replace lost facial volume at different anatomical levels. Sabine Zenker outlines a practice-oriented, science-based approach for using fillers in versatile ways to meet patient needs

Thermal stability of cellulose nanomaterials and their composites with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)

This study investigates the thermal stability of composites composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) reinforced with biodegradable fillers: cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) or cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). Combinations of PVA with CNC and PVA with CNF at 2, 4, 6, and 8 % cellulose by weight underwent several different thermogravimetric analysis (TG) heating programs—constant heating rate, isothermal, and high resolution with a dynamic heating rate. The starting materials (PVA pellets, PVA film, aqueous CNC at 11.8 % solids, and aqueous CNF at 3 % solids) were also tested in the TG after drying. Temperatures at the onset of degradation and at maximum degradation for the principal pyrolysis stage were quantified. Kinetic parameters (activation energy, pre-exponential factor) were calculated using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) method. CNC or CNF incorporation in the PVA matrix did not markedly shift temperatures at the onset of degradation or at maximum degradation for the major stage of pyrolysis, compared to neat PVA. However, the inclusion of nanocellulose lowered the maximum rate of degradation, with larger reductions at higher filler contents. A larger portion of the composites’ original mass remained intact following the major degradation peak. Incorporation of CNF in composites with PVA produced films with activation energies higher than the activation energy of neat PVA film.

Biodegradable date stones filler for enhancing mechanical, dynamic, and flame retardant properties of polyamide‐6 biocomposites

The need of using biodegradable fillers as polymer reinforcements instead of the polluting and hazard fillers has recently become a very important issue. Therefore, the aim of this study was the utilization of date stones (DS) as reinforcing and flame retardant biofiller in polyamide‐6 (PA6) with and without maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MAH) compatibilizer. The composition of DS powder was revealed by X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and chemical methods. Scanning electron microscopy images of biocomposites showed better compatibility of filler/polymer interface at 20 wt% DS and 5 wt% of the compatibilizer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirmed our suggested reaction mechanism. The dynamic data showed satisfied enhancement in the storage modulus (E′) for maleated PA6 at 20 wt% DS filler. The tensile and impact strengths of the biocomposites enhanced for maleated PA6. The presence of the biofiller had no distinct effect on the thermal stability of the biocomposite. The flame retardant properties significantly improved with increasing DS filler content. The X‐ray diffraction and FTIR data revealed that the char layer acted as an insulating barrier to oxygen and heat transfer between the gas phase and the condensed phase thus reduced the heat release rate during the burning. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1978–1987, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Influence of Cellulose on the Mechanical and Thermal Stability of ABS Plastic Composites

Microcrystalline cellulose was explored as possible biodegradable fillers in the fabrication of ABS plastic composites. TGA indicates that upon inclusion of cellulose microcrystals the thermal stability of the ABS plastics was improved significantly when compared to the neat ABS plastic counterparts. Furthermore, inclusion of extracted cellulose from plant biomass showed a higher thermal stability with maximum decomposition temperatures around 131.95°C and 124.19°C for cellulose from cotton andHibiscus sabdariffa, respectively, when compared to that of the purchased cellulose. In addition, TMA revealed that the average CTE value for the neat ABS and 1 : 1 ratio of cellulose to ABS fabricated in this study was significantly lower than the reported CTE (ca. 73.8 μm/m°C).

Lignin Effect on Tensile Properties of Biodegradable Urea-Crosslinked Starch in Aerobic Soil Microcosm

Lignin has proved its potential role as biodegradable filler for reinforcement of composite materials derived from renewable resources. Slow release fertilizer (SRF) based on starch was tested with different lignin weight percentages (5, 10, 15, 20 wt%) to analyze its effect on mechanical properties of non-biodegraded (NB) samples before and biodegraded (BD) samples after the incubation in the aerobic soil microcosm. In all NB samples, elongation at break (EB), young’s modulus (YM) and tensile strength (TS) was improved with increasing lignin from 5 to 20 wt%. However, in all BD samples, percent change in EB, YM was increased towards higher values as the lignin percentage increases. It was also observed a significant difference (pair t-test, p < 0.05) between each composition before and after biodegradation. In BD samples with 5-15 wt% lignin, percent change in mechanical properties was non-significant (pair t-test, p > 0.05). It was further noticed that percent change in mechanical properties was low in BD samples with lignin compared to the BD samples without lignin. From the present work, it is concluded that lignin strengthens the lignin-starch matrix in NB samples and it also reduced the impact of mechanical properties loss in BD samples.

Use of surfactants in cellulose nanowhisker/epoxy nanocomposites: effect on filler dispersion and system properties

Cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) prepared via TEMPO mediated oxidation are used as biodegradable filler in an epoxy matrix. Since CNWs are hydrophilic and epoxy is hydrophobic, amphiphilic block copolymer surfactants are employed to improve the interactions between the filler and the matrix. The surfactants used are Pluronics, a family of triblock copolymers containing two poly(ethylene oxide) blocks and one poly(propylene oxide) block. In this study, Pluronic L61 and L121 with molecular weight of 2000 and 4400 g/mol and hydrophilic to lipophilic balance of 3 and 1 respectively, are used and their effect on the dispersion of CNWs in epoxy is discussed. The hydrophilic tails of Pluronics interact with the hydroxyl and carboxylic groups on the CNW surface and then these surfactant-treated CNWs are directly incorporated into epoxy by high speed mixing. The dispersion state of the surfactant-treated CNWs in epoxy is assessed by rheological measurements and the mechanical properties of the resulting composites are characterized by tensile test and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The Pluronic L61 treated CNW/epoxy composites show the highest storage modulus at high temperatures (about 77 % increases) indicative of improved interfacial interactions between the CNWs and the epoxy matrix. Also, an increase of around 10 °C in the glass–rubbery transition temperature of the L61 treated CNW/epoxy composite leads to potential application at higher service temperatures.

Injection Rhinoplasty with Hyaluronic Acid and Calcium Hydroxyapatite: A Retrospective Survey Investigating Outcome and Complication Rates.

Injection rhinoplasty offers an attractive, reversible alternative to surgery. Here we assessed outcome, longevity of benefits, adverse effects, and patient assessment of injection rhinoplasty, using degradable synthetic fillers. Forty-six patients who underwent injection rhinoplasty using degradable fillers over the past 3 years were assessed (calcium hydroxyapatite: 26 patients, hyaluronic acid: 20 patients). Comparison of pre- and postoperative images indicated realistically achievable treatment results. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a 5-point questionnaire at 3 weeks and 9 months posttreatment. Forty-six patients (88 areas) were treated. At 3 weeks posttreatment, 85% of patients were satisfied with treatment results. At 9 months or later posttreatment, 87% of patients were very/completely satisfied with treatment results, regardless of filler used. Treatment longevity varied between 6 and 30 months (mean: 13.5 months). Positive evaluation was mainly due to accurate prediction of achievable results to meet patient expectations. There were one moderate and two severe complications, all following calcium hydroxyapatite treatment. Two resolved completely following treatment and one patient was lost to follow-up. This resulted in subsequent exclusive use of hyaluronic acid filler. Injectable biodegradable fillers are effective for correction of minor nasal deformities or irregularities. Attention must be given to injection technique and adverse effect management.

Barrier, Biodegradation, and mechanical properties of (Rice husk)/(Montmorillonite) hybrid filler-filled low-density polyethylene nanocomposite films

Rice husk (RH)/montmorillonite (MMT) hybrid filler-filled low-density polyethylene nanocomposite films were prepared by extrusion blown film. RH was used as a biodegradable filler in various concentrations (2, 5, and 7 parts per hundred composite), while the amount of MMT was held constant at 2 wt%. Delamination of MMT platelets and distribution of RH were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Diffractograms revealed the formation of intercalated structures, regardless of the RH content. Barrier properties revealed that MMT platelets have the potential to retard the diffusion of permeating molecules while, on the other hand, barrier efficiency of MMT is balanced by the subsequent incorporation of RH in RH/MMT hybrid filler-filled composite films. Despite an increase in permeability, the selectivity ratio (CO2/O2 permeability) increased with increasing RH contents in the hybrid filler-filled composite films showing the potential of these films in the development of modified atmosphere for fresh fruits and vegetables. The colonization of fungus and formation of holes as observed in micrographs of the test samples subjected to soil burial revealed that the biodegradation rate increased with the incorporation of RH in the hybrid composites. The composite films with higher contents of RH in hybrid filler are also more biodegradable than those having lower contents. Addition of RH contents in the hybrid filler increased the tensile modulus, while decreasing the tensile and tear strength. Addition of RH in the hybrid filler increased the melting and crystallization temperatures of the resulting nanocomposite films as well. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 23:162–171, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers