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Polymers
Special Issues
Bioplastics to Replace Fossil-Based Plastics—Perspectives for a Circular Economy
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Bioplastics to Replace Fossil-Based Plastics—Perspectives for a Circular Economy

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 9957

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Annamaria Visco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, ME, Italy
Interests: polymers; biopolymers; composite/nanocomposite polymer based; polymer characterization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Cristina Scolaro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy
Interests: biomaterials; plastic and metals; physical and mechanical characterization; laser welding
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Biodegradable bioplastics from renewable sources, or bioplastic-based biocomposites, are emerging as a promising alternative to traditional fossil-based plastics. Biocomposites, in fact, degrade rapidly in the soil compared to plastics of fossil origin (whose disposal requires hundreds or even thousands of years), contributing to the global effort to mitigate the environmental pollution caused by plastic and encouraging the transition from a linear to a circular economy.

Since traditional plastic materials of fossil origin are among the most widespread materials in the world due to their high versatility of use, technical characteristics, lightness and low price but poor biodegradabillity, they accumulate inexorably in the environment, causing the now well-known environmental pollution problems. The circular economy (with all the directives at the European and global levels) pushes toward radical change in the production and management of plastic materials to achieve zero waste production and environmentally sustainable management cycles.

Biodegradable polymers represent a valid alternative to polymers of fossil origin; however, they struggle with implementation due to the limited availability of raw materials and their high price.

This Special Issue focuses on biopolymers and all biocomposites used for this purpose and on all related aspects, ranging from material composition, biodegradation and regulatory aspects to the characterization, application and recycling possibilities of bioplastics.

Prof. Dr. Annamaria Visco
Dr. Cristina Scolaro
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bioplastics
  • composite bioplastics
  • directives and legislation on the use of bioplastics
  • biodegradation
  • workability
  • physical–mechanical characterization
  • applications
  • recycling of bioplastics

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4501 KiB  
Article
Mathematical Modelling of Tensile Mechanical Behavior of a Bio-Composite Based on Polybutylene-Succinate and Brewer Spent Grains
by Annamaria Visco, Cristina Scolaro, Francesco Oliveri and Aldo Jesus Ruta
Polymers 2024, 16(21), 2966; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16212966 - 23 Oct 2024
Viewed by 540
Abstract
A model based on the fitting of stress–strain data by tensile tests of bio-composites made of a bioplastic (polybutylene succinate (PBS)) and brewer spent grain filler (BSGF) is developed. Experimental tests were performed for various concentrations of BSGF in the range from 2% [...] Read more.
A model based on the fitting of stress–strain data by tensile tests of bio-composites made of a bioplastic (polybutylene succinate (PBS)) and brewer spent grain filler (BSGF) is developed. Experimental tests were performed for various concentrations of BSGF in the range from 2% to 30%. The model is suitable for describing the elastic–plastic behavior of these materials in terms of two mechanical parameters, tensile stress and tensile stiffness (or Young’s modulus), depending on the filler concentration. The mechanical characteristics, derived from the fit parameters, show good agreement with the experimental data. The mathematical model used here could be an important aid for the experimentation and manufacturing process as it allows the prediction of the mechanical tensile parameters of a mixture with different filler concentrations, avoiding the long and complex preparation cycle of bio-composites, as well as the specific mechanical tests. The physical properties required by the objects created with the PBS–BSGF bio-composite by the partners/stakeholders of the research project co-financing this research can be quite different; therefore, a mathematical model that predicts some of the mechanical properties in terms of the mixture composition may be useful to speed up the selection of the required amount of BSGF in the mixture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioplastics to Replace Fossil-Based Plastics—Perspectives for a Circular Economy)
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11 pages, 1867 KiB  
Article
Biobased Films Based on Chitosan and Microcrystalline Cellulose for Sustainable Packaging Applications
by Erika Alessia Di Liberto and Nadka Tzankova Dintcheva
Polymers 2024, 16(5), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050568 - 20 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1954
Abstract
The transition to a more sustainable lifestyle requires a move away from petroleum-based sources and the investigation and funding of renewable and waste feedstocks to provide biobased sustainable materials. The formulation of films based on chitosan and microcrystalline cellulose with potential applications in [...] Read more.
The transition to a more sustainable lifestyle requires a move away from petroleum-based sources and the investigation and funding of renewable and waste feedstocks to provide biobased sustainable materials. The formulation of films based on chitosan and microcrystalline cellulose with potential applications in the packaging sector has been demonstrated. Glycerol is also used as a plasticizer in the formulation of flexible films, while mucic acid is used as a valid alternative to acetic acid in such films. The film based on chitosan, microcrystalline cellulose, glycerol, and mucic acid shows properties and a performance similar to those of the film formulated with acetic acid, and, in addition, it seems that the photo-oxidation resistance of the film based on mucic acid is better than that of the material containing acetic acid. The films were characterized using spectroscopy (FTIR and UV-vis), tensile testing, water contact angle measurements, surface observations, and photo-oxidation resistance measurements. The presence of microcrystalline cellulose enhances the mechanical behavior, UV barrier properties, and surface hydrophobicity of the film. The feasibility of formulating chitosan-based films, with or without microcrystalline cellulose, which exhibit good properties and performances is demonstrated. Mucic acid instead of acetic acid is used in the formulation of these film. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioplastics to Replace Fossil-Based Plastics—Perspectives for a Circular Economy)
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Review

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23 pages, 7185 KiB  
Review
Modifications of Furan-Based Polyesters with the Use of Rigid Diols
by Konrad Walkowiak and Sandra Paszkiewicz
Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2064; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142064 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 897
Abstract
The replacement of polymers derived from petrochemical resources has been a prominent area of focus in recent decades. Polymers used in engineering materials must exhibit mechanical strength and stiffness while maintaining performance through a broad temperature range. Most of the polyesters used as [...] Read more.
The replacement of polymers derived from petrochemical resources has been a prominent area of focus in recent decades. Polymers used in engineering materials must exhibit mechanical strength and stiffness while maintaining performance through a broad temperature range. Most of the polyesters used as engineering materials are based on terephthalic acid (TPA) and its derivatives, which provide necessary rigidity to molecular chains due to an aromatic ring. Bio-based alternatives for TPA-based polyesters that are gaining popularity are the polyesters derived from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). To broaden applicational possibilities, one effective way to achieve specific properties in targeted applications is to adjust the composition and structure of polymers using advanced polymer chemistry techniques. The incorporation of rigid diols such as isosorbide, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (CBDO) should result in a greater stiffness of the molecular chains. This review extensively explores the effect of incorporating rigid diols on material properties through a review of research articles as well as patents. Moreover, this review mainly focuses on the polyesters and copolyesters synthesized via two-step melt polycondensation and its alterations due to the industrial importance of this method. Innovative synthesis strategies and the resulting material properties are presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioplastics to Replace Fossil-Based Plastics—Perspectives for a Circular Economy)
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39 pages, 16042 KiB  
Review
Morphologies, Compatibilization and Properties of Immiscible PLA-Based Blends with Engineering Polymers: An Overview of Recent Works
by Amulya Raj, Mohamed Yousfi, Kalappa Prashantha and Cédric Samuel
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1776; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131776 - 23 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1585
Abstract
Poly(L-Lactide) (PLA), a fully biobased aliphatic polyester, has attracted significant attention in the last decade due to its exceptional set of properties, such as high tensile modulus/strength, biocompatibility, (bio)degradability in various media, easy recyclability and good melt-state processability by the conventional processes of [...] Read more.
Poly(L-Lactide) (PLA), a fully biobased aliphatic polyester, has attracted significant attention in the last decade due to its exceptional set of properties, such as high tensile modulus/strength, biocompatibility, (bio)degradability in various media, easy recyclability and good melt-state processability by the conventional processes of the plastic/textile industry. Blending PLA with other polymers represents one of the most cost-effective and efficient approaches to develop a next-generation of PLA-based materials with superior properties. In particular, intensive research has been carried out on PLA-based blends with engineering polymers such as polycarbonate (PC), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and various polyamides (PA). This overview, consequently, aims to gather recent works over the last 10 years on these immiscible PLA-based blends processed by melt extrusion, such as twin screw compounding. Furthermore, for a better scientific understanding of various ultimate properties, processing by internal mixers has also been ventured. A specific emphasis on blend morphologies, compatibilization strategies and final (thermo)mechanical properties (tensile/impact strength, ductility and heat deflection temperature) for potential durable and high-performance applications, such as electronic parts (3C parts, electronic cases) to replace PC/ABS blends, has been made. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioplastics to Replace Fossil-Based Plastics—Perspectives for a Circular Economy)
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35 pages, 5010 KiB  
Review
Macroalgae Bioplastics: A Sustainable Shift to Mitigate the Ecological Impact of Petroleum-Based Plastics
by Nehal E. Elkaliny, Nurah M. Alzamel, Shaaban H. Moussa, Nour I. Elodamy, Engy A. Madkor, Esraa M. Ibrahim, Mostafa E. Elshobary and Gehan A. Ismail
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091246 - 29 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4221
Abstract
The surge in global utilization of petroleum-based plastics, which notably heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, has substantially increased its harm to ecosystems. Considering the escalating environmental impact, a pivotal shift towards bioplastics usage is imperative. Exploring and implementing bioplastics as a viable alternative [...] Read more.
The surge in global utilization of petroleum-based plastics, which notably heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, has substantially increased its harm to ecosystems. Considering the escalating environmental impact, a pivotal shift towards bioplastics usage is imperative. Exploring and implementing bioplastics as a viable alternative could mitigate the ecological burden posed by traditional plastics. Macroalgae is a potential feedstock for the production of bioplastics due to its abundance, fast growth, and high cellulose and sugar content. Researchers have recently explored various methods for extracting and converting macroalgae into bioplastic. Some of the key challenges in the production of macroalgae bioplastics are the high costs of large-scale production and the need to optimize the extraction and conversion processes to obtain high-quality bioplastics. However, the potential benefits of using macroalgae for bioplastic production include reducing plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions, using healthier materials in various life practices, and developing a promising area for future research and development. Also, bioplastic provides job opportunities in free enterprise and contributes to various applications such as packaging, medical devices, electronics, textiles, and cosmetics. The presented review aims to discuss the problem of petroleum-based plastic, bioplastic extraction from macroalgae, bioplastic properties, biodegradability, its various applications, and its production challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioplastics to Replace Fossil-Based Plastics—Perspectives for a Circular Economy)
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