Biodegradable Polymer Composites Research Articles

All-dry chemical engineering for high-performance packaging materials based on biodegradable polymer composites

As plastic waste from packaging continues to pose a serious threat to the environment, demand for naturally degradable packaging materials, such as biodegradable polymers, is increasing. However, packaging materials derived from biodegradable polymers often lack the mechanical and barrier properties required to replace conventional plastics. To address this issue, we propose an all-dry chemical engineering process to prepare high-performance biodegradable polymer composites incorporating cellulose nanofiber (CNF). Mechanochemistry (MC) is emerging as an effective method to induce chemical reactions between components using mechanical force under dry conditions. Through the MC process, we silanize CNFs and facilitate their chemical interaction with polybutylene succinate (PBS) matrix. This approach resolves the long-standing problem of CNF aggregation without using compatibilizers or solvents. The resulting PBS composite containing 3 wt% CNF exhibits improved mechanical and barrier properties comparable to polyethylene terephthalate, attributed to the formation of a uniform CNF network. Furthermore, its transparency and biodegradability demonstrate promising potential for replacing conventional packaging materials. Consequently, our study can offer a pathway to high-performance packaging materials based on biodegradable polymers, achieved through an environmentally and economically sustainable all-dry process. This contribution aligns with global efforts aimed at minimizing environmental damage from packaging waste.

Experimental and numerical analysis of natural fillers loaded and E-glass reinforced epoxy sandwich composites

Natural fibers play a crucial role in sandwich composites due to their biodegradability, ease of manufacturing, and ability to reduce pollution. The research aims to develop new biodegradable polymer composites using pine tree leaves (PTL) fillers loaded with epoxy through hand layup technique with different wt. % of PTL fillers. The molded composites were characterized to analyze the crystal size and plane orientations, surface morphology, thermal resistance, and presence of elemental compositions in the PTL filler-loaded epoxy composites through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Energy dispersive analysis (EDX), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The 40 wt % of PTL epoxy composites showed a maximum tensile strength of 32 ± 0.5 MPa, a compressive strength of 15 ± 0.5 MPa, a flexural strength of 55 ± 0.5 MPa, and a Shore D hardness of 73 ± 0.5 SHN. The mechanical strength of 40 wt% PTL fillers loaded epoxy composite was enhanced by adding a single and double layer of E-glass fiber on the bottom and top of the PTL fillers loaded epoxy composite, achieving a maximum tensile strength of 76 ± 0.5 MPa. The 40 wt% PTL fillers loaded double E-glass fiber on the bottom and top of the PTL fillers loaded epoxy sandwich composite attained the maximum tensile strength of 156 ± 0.5 MPa, compressive strength of 29 ± 0.5 MPa, flexural strength of 220 ± 0.5 MPa, and Shore D hardness of 79 ± 0.5 SHN. The PTL fillers loaded and reinforced double E-glass fiber epoxy sandwich composite would be used in low-strength structural applications.

Marine waste as a resource: Developing bio-epoxy composites for a sustainable future

Biowastes from discarded fishscales and seashells are rich sources of natural polymers, such as collagen, keratin, and calcium carbonate, that can be used to produce eco-friendly and biodegradable polymer composites. Therefore, utilizing the biowastes for manufacturing polymer composite can offer significant economic, environmental, and social benefits. This experimental study explores the use of Biopoxy matrix (SR33) and fish scale and seashell powders derived from biowastes as filler reinforcements while the composites were manufactured through open mold stir casting technique. Thereafter, the fillers were extracted and processed from raw waste sources, and were characterized using XRD and FTIR analyses. Mechanical and physical properties, including density, water absorption, fracture morphology, flexural, tensile, impact strength, and hardness, were also evaluated to assess the composite's performance. Additionally, thermal properties were investigated through DSC and TGA analyses. Interestingly, the results revealed that green composites with fish scale fillers at 2.5 wt% and seashell fillers at 7.5 wt% exhibited superior performance captured through enhanced mechanical and thermal properties versus control composite samples, suggesting their efficacy in reinforcing the biopoxy matrix. The study underscores the potential of utilizing biowaste-derived fillers for sustainable and eco-friendly composite materials. The combination of biopoxy with these specific filler concentrations presents a promising avenue for developing green composites with favorable mechanical and thermal characteristics, contributing to the ongoing efforts for sustainable material development.

Harnessing chemical functionality of xylan hemicellulose towards carbohydrate polymer-based pH/magnetic dual-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel for drug delivery

This study reports a pH/magnetic dual-responsive hemicellulose-based nanocomposite hydrogel with nearly 100 % carbohydrate polymer-based and biodegradable polymer compositions for drug delivery. We synthesized pure Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 MNPs) using a co-precipitation method, then engineering xylan hemicellulose (XH), acrylic acid, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, and Fe3O4 to synthesize the pH/magnetic dual-responsive hydrogel (Fe3O4@XH-Gel), through graft polymerization on XH with in-situ doping Fe3O4 MNPs initiated by the ammonium persulfate/tetramethylethylenediamine redox system. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), swelling gravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were employed to analyze the hydrogel's chemical structures, morphologies, pH-responsive behaviors, and magnetic responsiveness characteristics, mechanical and rheological properties, as well as cytotoxicity and biodegradability. The results indicate that the Fe3O4@XH-Gel exhibited excellent dual responsiveness to pH and magnetism. Furthermore, an emphasis was placed on the in-depth analysis of the pH response mechanism. Finally, we utilized this cutting-edge hydrogel to investigate the controlled-release behavior of two model drugs, Acetylsalicylic acid and Theophylline. The hydrogel demonstrated exceptional controlled release attributes, positioning it as a potential carrier for targeted drug delivery, particularly to the gastrointestinal conditions.

Biomimetic structural design and performance study of 3D-printed graded minimal surface bone scaffolds with enhanced bioactivity

Bone bionics and structural engineering have played a vital role in bone regeneration, with artificial scaffolds generating widespread interest. However, the mechanical properties and bone regeneration potential of biomimetic structures remain unclear. Herein, biodegradable polymer composites based on poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/poly(lactic acid) (PBAT/PLA) were 3D-printed into lattice structures as tissue engineering scaffolds. For structural design, graded diamond (D) minimal surfaces were proposed and designed to mimic the natural bone structure. The graded topologies were realized by designing gradient thickness either radially from center to edge or vertically from top to bottom. The mechanical performance of these graded samples displayed better load-carrying and energy absorption capacity than the uniform counterparts. No obvious damage was detected in the internal microstructure of the compressed samples using computed tomography. Subsequently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), containing diverse cytokines, was loaded on the graded scaffolds. The PRP-loaded D-scaffold reported improved in vitro cell proliferation and osteoblast differentiation. Finally, femoral condyle defect repair results indicated that the PRP-loaded D-scaffold effectively promoted early-stage bone regeneration. Overall, this work provides insights into fabricating artificial scaffolds with bioactive factors and biomimetic lattice structures.

Exploring the Future of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Composites with Organic Fillers: A Review of Challenges and Opportunities.

Biopolymers from renewable materials are promising alternatives to the traditional petroleum-based plastics used today, although they face limitations in terms of performance and processability. Natural fillers have been identified as a strategic route to create sustainable composites, and natural fillers in the form of waste by-products have received particular attention. Consequently, the primary focus of this article is to offer a broad overview of recent breakthroughs in environmentally friendly Polhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers and their composites. PHAs are aliphatic polyesters obtained by bacterial fermentation of sugars and fatty acids and are considered to play a key role in addressing sustainability challenges to replace traditional plastics in various industrial sectors. Moreover, the article examines the potential of biodegradable polymers and polymer composites, with a specific emphasis on natural composite materials, current trends, and future market prospects. Increased environmental concerns are driving discussions on the importance of integrating biodegradable materials with natural fillers in our daily use, emphasizing the need for clear frameworks and economic incentives to support the use of these materials. Finally, it highlights the indispensable need for ongoing research and development efforts to address environmental challenges in the polymer sector, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable materials across all industries.

Potential Application of Açaí Seed Waste in Biodegradable Polymeric Composites such as PBAT: a review regarding this issue

Potential Application of Açaí Seed Waste in Biodegradable Polymeric Composites such as PBAT: a review regarding this issue

Material Characterization and Mechanical Performance Study on Natural Particulates of Saccharum Spontaneum Reinforced Biodegradable Polymeric Composite

<p>The present work investigated the biodegradable polymer composite through the injection molding method. The matrix material of polylactic acid (PLA) and reinforcement particulates of novel Saccharum spontaneum (SS) were incorporated into the polymer matrix in the range of 5 % to 25 %. In addition to this study, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were used to examine the structural and morphological analyses of a green polymer composite. Mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and shore D hardness have been studied. The soil degradation test and water absorption study were conducted as per the standards. The results showed that compared to pure PLA composite, the 25 wt. % SS-filled PLA composites showed better mechanical properties of tensile, flexural, compressive, and Shore D hardness at 87.41 MPa, 86.20 MPa, 86.4 MPa, and 91.4 SHN, respectively. Thus, the developed novel composite has a potential impact on low-speed applications. The excellent biodegradation property was confirmed with the help of a soil degradation test and water absorption study.</p>

Crystallization Behavior and Mechanical Property of Biodegradable Poly(butylene succinate-co-2-methyl succinate)/Cellulose Nanocrystals Composites.

Biodegradable poly(butylene succinate-co-2-methyl succinate) (PBSMS)/cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) composites were successfully prepared at low CNC loadings with the aims of improving crystallization and mechanical properties and extending the practical application of PBSMS. CNC is finely dispersed in the PBSMS matrix without obvious aggregations. The low content of CNC obviously promoted the crystallization behavior of PBSMS under different conditions. The spherulitic morphology study revealed that CNC, as an effective heterogeneous nucleating agent, provided more nucleation sites during the melt crystallization process. In addition, the nucleation effect of CNC was quantitatively evaluated by the following two parameters, i.e., nucleation activity and nucleation efficiency. The crystal structure and crystallization mechanism of PBSMS remained unchanged in the composites. In addition, as a reinforcing nanofiller, CNC significantly increased Young's modulus and the yield strength of PBSMS. The crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of PBSMS were significantly improved by the low content of CNC, which should be interesting and essential from the perspective of biodegradable polymer composites.

Incorporation of canola meal as a sustainable natural filler in PLA foams

The canola oil industry generates significant waste as canola meal (CM) which has limited scope and applications. This study demonstrates the possibility of valorization of CM as a sustainable natural filler in a biodegradable polymer composite of Poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Generally, interfacial bonding between natural fibers and the polymer matrix in the composite is weak and non-uniform. One possible solution is to derivatize natural fibre to introduce interfacial bond strength and compatibility with the PLA polymer matrix. Here, CM was succinylated in a reactive extrusion process using succinic anhydride at 30 wt% to get 14% derivatization with 0.02 g of -COOH density per g of CM. The CM or succinylated CM at 5 and 15 wt% was co-extruded with amorphous PLA to get composite fibers. CM-PLA and succinylated CM-PLA biocomposites were foamed using a mild and green microcellular foaming process, with CO2 as an impregnating agent without any addition of organic solvents. The properties of the foams were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), shrinkage, and imaging. The addition of CM or succinylated CM as a natural filler did not significantly change the glass transition temperature, melting point, percent crystallization, stiffness, and thermal stability of PLA foams. This suggests succinylation (modification) of CM is not a mandatory step for improving interphase compatibility with the amorphous PLA. The new PLA-CM foams can be a good alternative in the packaging industry replacing the existing petroleum-based polymer foams.Graphical

Effect of CaCO3 filler reinforcement on PLA matrix composites fabricated through injection moulding

Since a decade, the usage of traditional polymers and synthetic fibres has increased rapidly. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important to implement biodegradable polymer composites and strict plastic usage guidelines in order to address a range of environmental and safety issues. This article discusses in detail about the use of bio-degradable material like Poly Lactic Acid(PLA) as the matrix and calcium carbonate as the reinforcement used in preparing composite laminates through injection moulding technique.The influence of the CaCO3 on the mechanical properties, as well as the degradation behaviour of the developed specimens was explored by employing Universal testing machine (UTM) and Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The bonding of the functional compounds within the selected substances were observed through Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. The conclusions revealed that putting up to 15 wt% of CaCO3 to a PLA medium boosted the mechanical properties and the specimen containing 10 wt% of CaCO3 improved thermal persistence and received the deterioration point at nearly 245 °C–250 °C. Only traces of residue were found in the composites as determined by TGA. In conclusion, it can be said that the incorporation of powder, permitted the development of biodegradable materials with better specific properties which can possibly be leveraged in lieu of traditional resources in a variety of industrial applications.

Biocomposites and bionanocomposites from poly(lactide) and cellulosic materials – a review

Abstract Global environmental concerns have recently accelerated interest in the usage of biodegradable polymers to replace petroleum-based conventional plastics. Lactic acid-based polymers are some of the most promising and widely studied biobased materials, which are suitable for packaging and biomedical applications. This is mainly due to their appealing characteristics such as relatively good mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and multiple end-of-life options such as recyclability and biodegradability in industrial composting conditions. However, the use of lactic acid-based polymers in advanced applications is constrained by their inherent brittleness, poor melt strength, and relatively high cost. These disadvantages can be remedied by reinforcement with cellulose nanomaterials which can enhance their mechanical properties while maintaining their biodegradability. This review provides an overview of recent studies on the development of biodegradable lactic acid-based polymer composites and nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The different processing methods and chemical modification techniques utilised on modification and functionalisation of cellulosic nanomaterials for improving the properties of lactic acid-based polymer nanocomposites are also discussed.

Novel enhancement of interfacial interaction and properties in biodegradable polymer composites using green chemically treated spent coffee ground microfiller

This study investigates the potential of utilizing green chemically treated spent coffee grounds (SCGs) as micro biofiller reinforcement in Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) biopolymer composites. The aim is to assess the impact of varying SCG concentrations (1 %, 3 %, 5 %, and 7 %) on the functional, thermal, mechanical properties and biodegradability of the resulting composites with a PHBV matrix. The samples were produced through melt compounding using a twin-screw extruder and compression molding. The findings indicate successful dispersion and distribution of SCGs microfiller into PHBV. Chemical treatment of SCG microfiller enhanced the interfacial bonding between the SCG and PHBV, evidenced by higher water contact angles of the biopolymer composites. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) confirmed the successful interaction of treated SCG microfiller, contributing to enhanced mechanical characteristics. A two-way ANOVA was conducted for statistical analysis. Mass losses observed after burying the materials in natural soil indicated that the composites degraded faster than the pure PHBV polymer suggesting that both composites are biodegradable, particularly at high levels of spent coffee grounds (SCG). Despite the possibility of agglomeration at higher concentrations, SCG incorporation resulted in improved functional properties, positioning the green biopolymer composite as a promising material for sustainable packaging and diverse applications.

Promotive Effect of Non-Woven Polylactide/Natural Rubber Composites on Growth and Biochemical Constituents of Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Presently, modern trends focused on eco-friendly “green” technologies are increasing the widespread use of biodegradable polymers and polymer composites in agricultural production. In this work, non-woven materials, polylactide/natural rubber (PLA/NR) composites with a different natural rubber content, were used as substrates for growing purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in the multisoil compound in a phytochamber. It was shown that non-woven PLA/NR fabrics stimulate the growth and development of purple basil plants during the growing season. Compared to the control sample, the germination and biometric indicators of basil were higher when using PLA/NR substrates. The production of basil’s photosynthetic pigments also increased. While using PLA/NR fabrics with a rubber content of 10 and 15 wt.%, the number of chlorophyll a was enhanced by 1.8–2.2 times and chlorophyll b by 2.5–3.2 times. In the process of the hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation of the polymer matrix, organic compounds are formed that provide additional nutrition for basil plants. Non-woven PLA/NR composites became brittle after the experiment. The PLA/NR morphology, structure, and rheological properties changed, which indicates the course of biodegradation processes in the polymer matrix.

Biodegradable polymer composite containing ground corn stalk modified with polydopamine

AbstractModifying plant fibers before their incorporation into the polymer matrix is a crucial factor that influences the characteristics of the resulting composites. This article reports on a study that investigated how modifying ground corn stalks impacted certain properties of a biodegradable polymer composite. The composite was made up of a mixture of polylactide and polycaprolactone in a ratio of 70:30, and the filler was modified using dopamine hydrochloride to create a thin polymer layer of polydopamine on the surface of the particles. The study evaluated the structural, mechanical, thermal, and thermomechanical properties of composites that contained 30%, 40%, or 50% of the filler by weight. Additionally, the tests to determine how well the composites would compost in an industrial setting were conducted. The results of the study showed that modifying the filler particles had a positive impact on most of the properties tested, including tensile strength, flexural strength, Young's modulus, storage modulus, and impact strength. Interestingly, despite concerns about the antibacterial properties of polydopamine, the composting tests revealed that the modification of the filler particles did not have any negative effects on the industrial composting process.

Waste natural fibers for polymer toughening and biodegradability of epoxy-based polymer composite through toughness and thermal analysis

Polymeric materials are being increasingly used to replace many metallic components due to their beneficial properties such as higher strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However, the widespread use of polymers poses a risk to the environment as they are not biodegradable. The addition of the waste jute fiber and sawdust fiber as reinforcement to the epoxy resin improved its toughness and induced the biodegradability of the polymer. To examine the effect of the jute fiber and sawdust fiber on biodegradability, the composites were then kept in the drainage system for one year, and the impact energy and fracture morphology of the as-cast and weathered samples were examined using a drop ball impact test and a Charpy impact test. During the weathering period, weight gain was initially observed due to the water absorption by the porous fibers, but after three months, the composites started to lose weight due to the degradation of the fiber by swelling and microbial attacks. Microorganisms in the drainage system used the fiber as their energy source, which resulted in the deterioration of the fiber and the production of CO2. The production of CO2 was identified by the FTIR analysis of the weathered composite samples. TGA analysis of the as-cast and weathered samples reveals the reduction of the onset thermal degradation temperature of the weathered composites due to the degradation of the composites. The fiber disintegrated through microbial attack and the fiber swelling caused by the absorption of water by jute fiber and sawdust fiber is identified through SEM imaging. The SEM image also reveals the formation of biofilms and the growth of microorganisms at the fibers. A higher growth rate of the microorganisms was observed in the jute fiber composite than in the sawdust fiber composite, as sawdust contains a high level of lignin that protects it from degradation. The results of this study suggest that both sawdust fiber and jute fiber composites induce biodegradability in the epoxy matrix, but jute fiber was more prominent in this regard. The discovery paves the way for using natural fibers in biodegradable polymer composites, reducing polymeric pollution in the environment.

BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER COMPOSITE BASED ON POLYVINYL CHLORIDE AND WOOD WASTE. DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION

This work deals with the development and characterization of biodegradable polymer composites based on of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and wood waste (WW) post-consumer waste. Wood waste resulting from wood processing into finished products is cryogenically ground to min. 500 nm, mechanically functionalized at temperature with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (7%) and compounded in varying proportions (10%, 20%, 50%). The new composite is biodegradable due to the compounding with wood fibers, have low density and implicitly the products made from, a lower weight, reduced costs and recover waste. Soles for shoes will be processed by injection using these materials.

Entropically Toughened Robust Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Biodegradable polymers and composites are promising candidates for biomedical implants in tissue engineering. However, state-of-the-art composite scaffolds suffer from a strength-toughness dilemma due to poor interfacial adhesion and filler dispersion. In this work, we propose a facile and scalable strategy to fabricate strong and tough biocomposite scaffolds through interfacial toughening. The immiscible biopolymer matrix is compatible by the direct incorporation of a third polymer. Densely entangled polymer chains lead to massive crazes and global shear yields under tension. Weak chemical interaction and high-shear melt processing create nanoscale dispersion of nanofillers within the matrix. The resultant ternary blends and composites exhibit an 11-fold increase in toughness without compromising stiffness and strength. At 70% porosity, three-dimensional (3D)-printed composite scaffolds demonstrate high compressive properties comparable to those of cancellous bones. In vitro cell culture on the scaffolds demonstrates not only good cell viability but also effective osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Our findings present a widely applicable strategy to develop high-performance biocomposite materials for tissue regeneration.

STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INFLUENCE OF PLASTICIZERS AND FUNCTIONAL ADDITIVES IN THE RECEIVING OF THERMOPLASTIC STARCH ON ITS FILM-FORMING AND DESTRUCTIVE PROPERTIES

A literature review on the production of thermoplastic starch (TPS) with various plasticizing additives as a component of biodegradable polymer compositions was conducted. Plasticizing additives with different functional groups, due to which starch modification occurs, were analyzed. In order to expand the spectrum of functional additives for the formation of TPS, the introduction of acids with different amounts of carboxyl groups: citric, oxalic, oleic, stearic was studied. The technological parameters of thermomechanical processing of starch compositions and the quantitative composition of the components are determined. Physical and mechanical tests of strength and elasticity of film samples of TPS compositions and compatible with synthetic polymer were carried out. In order to obtain the structural characteristics of TPS and TPS films with polyethylene, studies were carried out by IR-Fourier spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Studies of the effect of UV irradiation on the degradability of TPS compositions after exposure in a climate chamber for 90 days were conducted. It was found that the loss of strength and elasticity of TPS and TPS+PE film samples is (82–90)%, elasticity (60–70)%, depending on plasticizing and structure-forming additives and their amounts.

Extraction and Characterization of Natural Fiber from the Stem of Dombeya Buettneri Plant for Biodegradable Polymeric Composites Application

ABSTRACT The global drive for a circular economy emphasizing sustainability in composite manufacturing processes has been the driving force for current ongoing research studies in natural fibers as sustainable substitutes for non-biodegradable synthetic fibers. The present study was carried out to characterize Dombeya buettneri fiber (DBF) extracted manually from the bark of the plant stem. Determination of physical and mechanical properties, quantitative chemical analysis, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the extracted fiber. Fiber constituents and XRD results showed higher cellulose content (58.45%), crystallinity index (62.32%) and percent crystalline (72.63%). The fiber had a crystallite size of 2.16 nm as determined using the Debye-Scherrer’s equation while FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of various functional groups of lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose on the fiber structure. The results revealed that DBF fiber had a thermal resistance that is up to 229.57°C with a maximum thermal degradation temperature of 356.27°C. Based on the results of this research that are comparable with other studies on cellulosic fiber, DBF fiber has a great potential as an alternative reinforcement for the development of polymer-based bio-composites.