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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 8513

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Denis Miroshnichenko

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Guest Editor

The Department of Oil, Gas and Solid Fuel Refining Technologies, National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», 61002 Kharkiv, Ukraine
Interests: polymers; coal; humic acids; coke; heating value
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Vladimir Lebedev

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Guest Editor

The Department of Plastics and Biologically Active Polymers Technology, National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», 61002 Kharkiv, Ukraine
Interests: biopolymers; biocomposite; eco-friendly; biodegradable; films; environmentally safe; humic; hybrid; ecology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, the most relevant trend in the field of polymer materials science is the design and use of various biopolymers and biocomposites, which solve the challenges and threats associated with the ecological state of the environment and the depletion of oil resources. With such effective biopolymers and biocomposites, it is possible to combine a high level of operational characteristics with the ability to biodegrade in natural conditions without the formation of environmentally hazardous substances. This Special Issue presents advanced research on the subject of synthesis and studies the structure of the latest highly effective and durable biopolymers and biocomposites with a unique set of functional characteristics. A modern overview of scientific developments is presented in the direction of the foundations of the creation of a new generation of composite and polymer materials based on biopolymers of various natures with the use of a multifunctional range of modifiers and fillers (carbon, ceramic and nanofillers, synthetic and natural fibers), with the aim of providing them with specific and unique properties. The designed advanced biopolymers and biocomposites can be used in various branches of modern industry, such as automotive, construction, electronics, containers and packaging, medicine, pharmaceutical engineering, etc. This Special Issue also discusses the most effective methods of synthesis and design of advanced biopolymers and biocomposites in order to achieve broad functional physical, chemical, and biological capabilities.

Prof. Dr. Denis Miroshnichenko
Dr. Vladimir Lebedev
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biopolymer
biocomposite
design
synthesis
advanced structure
properties
biodegradability
application

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 2793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Optimization of Avocado-Seed-Starch-Based Degradable Plastic Synthesis with a Polylactic Acid (PLA) Blend Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

by Rozanna Dewi, Novi Sylvia, Zulnazri Zulnazri, Herman Fithra, Medyan Riza, Januar Parlaungan Siregar, Tezara Cionita, Deni Fajar Fitriyana and Samsudin Anis

Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2384; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162384 - 22 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1095

Abstract

This research improves the strength of plastic using avocado seed starch and PLA. The effect of blending avocado seed starch and PLA was optimized using the RSM approach by using two variables: water absorption and biodegradability. Mixing them using RSM gave the best result: 1.8 g of starch and 3 g of PLA. Degradable plastic has a tensile strength of 10.1 MPa, elongation at a break of 85.8%, and a Young’s modulus of 190 MPa. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the plastic had a -OH bond at 3273.20 cm⁻¹, 3502.73 cm⁻¹, and 3647.39 cm⁻¹, a CH₂ bond at 2953.52 cm⁻¹, 2945.30 cm⁻¹, and 2902.87 cm⁻¹, a C=C bond at 1631.78 cm⁻¹, and a C-O bond at 1741.72 cm⁻¹. The plastic decomposed in the soil. It was organic and hydrophilic. Thermal tests demonstrated that the plastic can withstand heat well, losing weight at 356.86 °C to 413.64 °C, forming crystals and plastic melts at 159.10 °C—the same as PLA. In the melt flow test, the sample melted before measurement, and was therefore not measurable—process conditions affected it. A water absorption of 5.763% and biodegradation rate of 37.988% were found when the samples were decomposed for 12 days. The starch and PLA fused in the morphology analysis to form a smooth surface. The RSM value was close to 1. The RSM gave the best process parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biopolymers and Biocomposites)

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13 pages, 4270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Degradation of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Reinforced with Regenerated Cellulose Fibers

by Michael Seitz, Rainer Rihm and Christian Bonten

Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2070; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142070 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 792

Abstract

PHBV is a promising plastic for replacing conventional petroleum-based plastics in the future. However, the mechanical properties of PHBV are too low for use in high-stress applications and the degradation of the polymer limits possible applications. In this work, the mechanical properties were, therefore, increased using bio-based regenerated cellulose fibers and degradation processes of the PHBV-RCF composites were detected in accelerated aging tests under various environmental conditions. Mechanical, optical, rheological and thermal analysis methods were used for this characterization. The fibers significantly increased the mechanical properties, in particular the impact strength. Different degradation mechanisms were identified. UV radiation caused the test specimens to fade significantly, but no reduction in mechanical properties was observed. After storage in water and in aqueous solutions, the mechanical properties of the compounds were significantly reduced. The reason for this was assumed to be hydrolytic degradation catalyzed by higher temperatures. The hydrolytic degradation of PHBV was mainly caused by erosion from the test specimen surface. By exposing the regenerated cellulose fibers, this effect could now also be visually verified. For the use of regenerated cellulose fiber-reinforced PHBV in more durable applications, the aging mechanisms that occur must be prevented in the future through the use of stabilizers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biopolymers and Biocomposites)

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20 pages, 5311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polylactic Acid/Saqqez Gum Blends for Chewing Gum Applications: Impact of Plasticizers on Thermo-Mechanical and Morphological Properties

by Mona Kaveh, Samira Yeganehzad, Mohammad Ali Hesarinejad, Maryam Kiumarsi and Mohammad Reza Abdollahi Moghaddam

Polymers 2024, 16(11), 1469; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111469 - 22 May 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 905

Abstract

This study investigated a blend of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and Saqqez gum, with a weight ratio of 70:30, respectively, along with two plasticizers, acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), at three different concentrations (14%, 16% and 18% by weight of the PLA). The blend was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile tests, water-absorption behavior (coefficients of water absorption, sorption, diffusion and permeability of the samples during 240 h) and chemical resistance (exposure to 1 mol/L HCl and 1 mol/L NaOH for 240 h). The desired elastomer blend was then used to prepare natural chewing gum, which was subsequently subjected to texture profile analyzer (TPA) tests and sensory evaluation. The results showed that the addition of both plasticizers increased the tensile properties of the blend. Compared to neat PLA, all the blends exhibited an increase in elongation at break and a decrease in yield strength, with the maximum elongation at break (130.6%) and the minimum yield strength (12.2 MPa) observed in the blend containing 16% ATBC. Additionally, all the thermal attributes studied, including T_g, T_c and T_m, were lower than those of neat PLA, and the T_g values deviated from the values predicted via Fox’s equation. SEM images of the blends confirmed that plasticization improved the homogeneity and distribution of the components in the blend structure. PEG 18% and ATBC 16% exhibit the highest and lowest water-absorption behavior, respectively. Regarding chemical resistance, all blends showed weight gain when exposed to HCl, while no weight loss was observed for resistance to NaOH. The chewing gum sample obtained similar values for the mentioned tests compared to the commercial control sample. Overall, the results indicate that plasticization enhances the structure and performance of the PLA/Saqqez gum blend and further investigation is warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biopolymers and Biocomposites)

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20 pages, 9578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Agricultural Waste Lignocellulosic Fibers for Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-Co-Valerate)-Based Composites in Short Shelf-Life Applications

by Kerly Samaniego-Aguilar, Estefanía Sánchez-Safont, Andreina Rodríguez, Anna Marín, María V. Candal, Luis Cabedo and Jose Gamez-Perez

Polymers 2023, 15(23), 4507; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15234507 - 23 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1245

Abstract

Biocircularity could play a key role in the circular economy, particularly in applications where organic recycling (composting) has the potential to become a preferred waste management option, such as food packaging. The development of fully biobased and biodegradable composites could help reduce plastic waste and valorize agro-based residues. In this study, extruded films made of composites of polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV) and lignocellulosic fibers, namely almond shell (AS) and Oryzite^® (OR), a polymer hybrid composite precursor, have been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a weak fiber–matrix interfacial interaction, although OR composites present a better distribution of the fiber and a virtually lower presence of “pull-out”. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the presence of fibers reduced the onset and maximum degradation temperatures of PHBV, with a greater reduction observed with higher fiber content. The addition of fibers also affected the melting behavior and crystallinity of PHBV, particularly with OR addition, showing a decrease in crystallinity, melting, and crystallization temperatures as fiber content increased. The mechanical behavior of composites varied with fiber type and concentration. While the incorporation of AS results in a reduction in all mechanical parameters, the addition of OR leads to a slight improvement in elongation at break. The addition of fibers improved the thermoformability of PHBV. In the case of AS, the improvement in the processing window was achieved at lower fiber contents, while in the case of OR, the improvement was observed at a fiber content of 20%. Biodisintegration tests showed that the presence of fibers promoted the degradation of the composites, with higher fiber concentrations leading to faster degradation. Indeed, the time of complete biodisintegration was reduced by approximately 30% in the composites with 20% and 30% AS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biopolymers and Biocomposites)

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14 pages, 16843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural, Thermal, Rheological, and Morphological Characterization of the Starches of Sweet and Bitter Native Potatoes Grown in the Andean Region

by Olivia Magaly Luque-Vilca, Noe Benjamin Pampa-Quispe, Augusto Pumacahua-Ramos, Silvia Pilco-Quesada, Domingo Jesús Cabel Moscoso and Tania Jakeline Choque-Rivera

Polymers 2023, 15(22), 4417; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15224417 - 16 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1518

Abstract

This study aimed to extract and characterize the morphological, physicochemical, thermal, and rheological properties of the starches of native potatoes grown in the department of Puno. Among the varieties evaluated were sweet native potato varieties Imilla Negra (Solanum tuberosum spp. Andígena), Imilla Blanca (Solanum tuberosum spp. Andígena), Peruanita, Albina or Lomo (Solanum chaucha), and Sutamari, and the bitter potatoes Rucki or Luki (Solanum juzepczukii Buk), Locka (Solanum curtilobum), Piñaza (Solanum curtilobum), and Ocucuri (Sola-num curtilobum), acquired from the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA-Puno). The proximal composition, amylose content, and morphological, thermal, and rheological properties that SEM, DSC, and a rheometer determined, respectively, were evaluated, and the data obtained were statistically analyzed using a completely randomized design and then a comparison of means using Tukey’s LSD test. The results show a significant difference in the proximal composition (p ≤ 0.05) concerning moisture content, proteins, fat, ash, and carbohydrates. Thus, the amylose content was also determined, ranging from 23.60 ± 0.10 to 30.33 ± 0.15%. The size morphology of the granules is 13.09–47.73 µm; for the thermal and rheological properties of the different varieties of potato starch, it is shown that the gelatinization temperature is in a range of 57 to 62 °C and, for enthalpy, between 3 and 5 J/g. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biopolymers and Biocomposites)

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18 pages, 4038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bimetal–Organic Framework-Loaded PVA/Chitosan Composite Hydrogel with Interfacial Antibacterial and Adhesive Hemostatic Features for Wound Dressings

by Nan Zhang, Xiuwen Zhang, Yueyuan Zhu, Dong Wang, Ren Li, Shuangying Li, Ruizhi Meng, Zhihui Liu and Dan Chen

Polymers 2023, 15(22), 4362; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15224362 - 9 Nov 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1975

Abstract

Silver-containing wound dressings have shown attractive advantages in the treatment of wound infection due to their excellent antibacterial activity. However, the introduction of silver ions or AgNPs directly into the wound can cause deposition in the body as particles. Here, with the aim of designing low-silver wound dressings, a bimetallic-MOF antibacterial material called AgCu@MOF was developed using 3, 5-pyridine dicarboxylic acid as the ligand and Ag⁺ and Cu²⁺ as metal ion sites. PCbM (PVA/chitosan/AgCu@MOF) hydrogel was successfully constructed in PVA/chitosan wound dressing loaded with AgCu@MOF. The active sites on the surface of AgCu@MOF increased the lipophilicity to bacteria and caused the bacterial membrane to undergo lipid peroxidation, which resulted in the strong bactericidal properties of AgCu@MOF, and the antimicrobial activity of the dressing PCbM was as high as 99.9%. The chelation of silver ions in AgCu@MOF with chitosan occupied the surface functional groups of chitosan and reduced the crosslinking density of chitosan. PCbM changes the hydrogel crosslinking network, thus improving the water retention and water permeability of PCbM hydrogel so that the hydrogel has the function of binding wet tissue. As a wound adhesive, PCbM hydrogel reduces the amount of wound bleeding and has good biocompatibility. PCbM hydrogel-treated mice achieved 96% wound recovery on day 14. The strong antibacterial, tissue adhesion, and hemostatic ability of PCbM make it a potential wound dressing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biopolymers and Biocomposites)

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