Polymers

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17 pages, 3032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical, Thermal, and Fire Retardant Properties of Rice Husk Biochar Reinforced Recycled High-Density Polyethylene Composite Material

by Atta ur Rehman Shah, Anas Imdad, Atiya Sadiq, Rizwan Ahmed Malik, Hussein Alrobei and Irfan Anjum Badruddin

Polymers 2023, 15(8), 1827; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15081827 - 9 Apr 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3396

Abstract

This study concentrated on the influence of rice husk biochar on the structural, thermal, flammable, and mechanical properties of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The percentage of rice husk biochar with recycled HDPE was varied between 10% and 40%, and the optimum percentages were [...] Read more.

This study concentrated on the influence of rice husk biochar on the structural, thermal, flammable, and mechanical properties of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The percentage of rice husk biochar with recycled HDPE was varied between 10% and 40%, and the optimum percentages were found for the various properties. Mechanical characteristics were evaluated in terms of the tensile, flexural, and impact properties. Similarly, the flame retardancy of the composites was observed by means of horizontal and vertical burning tests (UL-94 tests), limited oxygen index, and cone calorimetry. The thermal properties were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). For detailed characterization, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were performed, to elaborate on the variation in properties. The composite with 30% rice husk biochar demonstrated the maximum increase in tensile and flexural strength, i.e., 24% and 19%, respectively, compared to the recycled HDPE, whereas the 40% composite showed a 22.5% decrease in impact strength. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the 40% rice husk biochar reinforced composite exhibited the best thermal stability, due to having the highest amount of biochar. In addition, the 40% composite also displayed the lowest burning rate in the horizontal burning test and the lowest V-1 rating in the vertical burning test. The 40% composite material also showed the highest limited oxygen index (LOI), whereas it had the lowest peak heat release rate (PHRR) value (52.40% reduced) and total heat release rate (THR) value (52.88% reduced) for cone calorimetry, when compared with the recycled HDPE. These tests proved that rice husk biochar is a significant additive for enhancing the mechanical, thermal, and fire-retardant properties of recycled HDPE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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15 pages, 3109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Plasticization Effect of 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Acetate in TPS/PVA Biodegradable Blends Produced by Melt-Mixing

by Jennifer M. Castro, Mercedes G. Montalbán, Daniel Domene-López, Ignacio Martín-Gullón and Juan C. García-Quesada

Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1788; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071788 - 4 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2646

Abstract

The first step towards the production and marketing of bioplastics based on renewable and sustainable materials is to know their behavior at a semi-industrial scale. For this reason, in this work, the properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films plasticized by a [...] Read more.

The first step towards the production and marketing of bioplastics based on renewable and sustainable materials is to know their behavior at a semi-industrial scale. For this reason, in this work, the properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films plasticized by a green solvent, as the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim⁺][Ac⁻]) ionic liquid, produced by melt-mixing were studied. These blends were prepared with a different content of [Emim⁺][Ac⁻] (27.5–42.5 %wt.) as a unique plasticizer. According to the results, this ionic liquid is an excellent plasticizer due to the transformation of the crystalline structure of the starch to an amorphous state, the increase in flexibility, and the drop in T_g, as the [Emim⁺][Ac⁻] amount increases. These findings show that the properties of these biomaterials could be modified in the function of [Emim⁺][Ac⁻] content in the formulations of TPS, depending on their final use, thus becoming a functional alternative to conventional polymers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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15 pages, 9796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Varying Curing Conditions on the Strength of Biopolymer Modified Sand

by Kehinde Lemboye and Abdullah Almajed

Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071678 - 28 Mar 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1892

Abstract

Recently, the improvement of the engineering properties of soil has been centered on using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This study investigates the efficacy of three biopolymers: Acacia, sodium alginate, and pectin, on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of dune sand. The UCS test [...] Read more.

Recently, the improvement of the engineering properties of soil has been centered on using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This study investigates the efficacy of three biopolymers: Acacia, sodium alginate, and pectin, on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of dune sand. The UCS test measured the effects of the biopolymer type and concentration, curing intervals and temperature, and moisture loss. The changes in the morphology caused by the biopolymer addition were examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicate that the UCS of the biopolymer-modified sand increased with biopolymer concentration and curing intervals. Varying the curing temperature from 25–110 °C, slightly affected the strength of the acacia-modified sand specimen, increased that of the sodium alginate-modified sand specimen up to a temperature of 85 °C, and continued to decrease that of the pectin-modified sand specimen as the temperature was increased from 25 to 110 °C. The SEM images indicated that the biopolymer’s presence within the sand pores significantly contributed to the strength. Bond decomposition occurs at temperatures greater than 110 °C for sodium alginate and pectin-modified sands, whereas bonds remain stable at higher temperatures for the acacia-modified sand. In conclusion, all three biopolymers show potential as robust and economic dune stabilisers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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20 pages, 2227 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Properties of Copper-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles against Soybean Pathogens Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea and Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens

by Rashit Tarakanov, Balzhima Shagdarova, Tatiana Lyalina, Yuliya Zhuikova, Alla Il’ina, Fevzi Dzhalilov and Valery Varlamov

Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051100 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2799

Abstract

Soybeans are a valuable food product, containing 40% protein and a large percentage of unsaturated fatty acids ranging from 17 to 23%. Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea (Psg) and Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff) are harmful bacterial pathogens of soybean. The bacterial resistance of [...] Read more.

Soybeans are a valuable food product, containing 40% protein and a large percentage of unsaturated fatty acids ranging from 17 to 23%. Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea (Psg) and Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff) are harmful bacterial pathogens of soybean. The bacterial resistance of soybean pathogens to existing pesticides and environmental concerns requires new approaches to control bacterial diseases. Chitosan is a biodegradable, biocompatible and low-toxicity biopolymer with antimicrobial activity that is promising for use in agriculture. In this work, a chitosan hydrolysate and its nanoparticles with copper were obtained and characterized. The antimicrobial activity of the samples against Psg and Cff was studied using the agar diffusion method, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The samples of chitosan and copper-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Cu²⁺ChiNPs) significantly inhibited bacterial growth and were not phytotoxic at the concentrations of the MIC and MBC values. The protective properties of chitosan hydrolysate and copper-loaded chitosan nanoparticles against soybean bacterial diseases were tested on plants in an artificial infection. It was demonstrated that the Cu²⁺ChiNPs were the most effective against Psg and Cff. Treatment of pre-infected leaves and seeds demonstrated that the biological efficiencies of (Cu²⁺ChiNPs) were 71% and 51% for Psg and Cff, respectively. Copper-loaded chitosan nanoparticles are promising as an alternative treatment for bacterial blight and bacterial tan spot and wilt in soybean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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19 pages, 14355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrocellulose Based Film-Forming Gels with Cinnamon Essential Oil for Covering Surface Wounds

by Lauryna Pudžiuvelytė, Evelina Drulytė and Jurga Bernatonienė

Polymers 2023, 15(4), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15041057 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2824

Abstract

Acute and chronic wounds caused by assorted reasons impact patient’s quality of life. Films are one of the main types of moisture retentive dressings for wounds. To improve the healing of the wound, films must ensure there is no microorganism contamination, protect from [...] Read more.

Acute and chronic wounds caused by assorted reasons impact patient’s quality of life. Films are one of the main types of moisture retentive dressings for wounds. To improve the healing of the wound, films must ensure there is no microorganism contamination, protect from negative environmental effects, and support optimal moisture content. The aim of this study was to formulate optimal film-forming gel compositions that would have good physico-chemical properties and be suitable for wound treatment. Nitrocellulose, castor oil, ethanol (96%), ethyl acetate, and cinnamon leaf essential oil were used to create formulations. During the study, the drying rate, adhesion, flexibility, tensile strength, cohesiveness, swelling, water vapor penetration, pH value, and morphology properties of films were examined. Results showed that optimal concentrations of nitrocellulose for film-forming gel production were 13.4% and 15%. The concentrations of nitrocellulose and cinnamon leaf essential oil impacted the films’ physicochemical properties (drying rate, swelling, adhesion, flexibility, etc.). The swelling test showed that films of formulations could absorb significant amounts of simulant wound exudate. Film-forming gels and films showed no microbial contamination and were stable three months after production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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20 pages, 5083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Dissolution Time on the Properties of All-Cellulose Composites Obtained from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch

by Mohd Zaim Jaafar, Farah Fazlina Mohd Ridzuan, Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim and Falah Abu

Polymers 2023, 15(3), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030691 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2184

Abstract

All-cellulose composite (ACC) films from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFBs) were successfully fabricated through the surface selective dissolution of cellulose fibers in 8 wt% LiCl/DMAc via the solution casting method. The effect of dissolution time on the properties of the ACC films [...] Read more.

All-cellulose composite (ACC) films from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFBs) were successfully fabricated through the surface selective dissolution of cellulose fibers in 8 wt% LiCl/DMAc via the solution casting method. The effect of dissolution time on the properties of the ACC films was assessed in the range of 5–45 min. The results showed that under the best conditions, there were sufficiently dissolved fiber surfaces that improved the interfacial adhesion while maintaining a sizable fraction of the fiber cores, acting as reinforcements for the material. The ACC films have the highest tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of up to 35.78 MPa and 2.63 GPa after 15 min of dissolution. Meanwhile, an X-ray diffraction analysis proved that cellulose I and II coexisted, which suggests that the crystallite size and degree of crystallinity of the ACC films had significantly declined. This is due to a change in the cellulose structure, which results in fewer voids and enhanced stress distribution in the matrix. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the interfacial adhesion improved between the reinforcing fibers and matrices as the failure behavior of the film composite changed from fiber pullout to fiber breakage and matrix cracking. On the other hand, the thermal stability of the ACC film showed a declining trend as the dissolution time increased. Therefore, the best dissolution time to formulate the ACC film was 15 min, and the obtained ACC film is a promising material to replace synthetic polymers as a green composite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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16 pages, 10997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ketorolac-Loaded PLGA-/PLA-Based Microparticles Stabilized by Hyaluronic Acid: Effects of Formulation Composition and Emulsification Technique on Particle Characteristics and Drug Release Behaviors

by Amaraporn Wongrakpanich, Nichakan Khunkitchai, Yanisa Achayawat and Jiraphong Suksiriworapong

Polymers 2023, 15(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020266 - 4 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2178

Abstract

This study aimed to develop ketorolac microparticles stabilized by hyaluronic acid based on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), poly(lactide) (PLA), and their blend for further application in osteoarthritis. The polymer blend may provide tailored drug release and improved physicochemical characteristics. The microparticles were prepared by water-in-oil-in-water [...] Read more.

This study aimed to develop ketorolac microparticles stabilized by hyaluronic acid based on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), poly(lactide) (PLA), and their blend for further application in osteoarthritis. The polymer blend may provide tailored drug release and improved physicochemical characteristics. The microparticles were prepared by water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) double emulsion solvent evaporation using two emulsification techniques, probe sonication (PS) and high-speed stirring (HSS), to obtain the microparticles in different size ranges. The results revealed that the polymer composition and emulsification technique influenced the ketorolac microparticle characteristics. The PS technique provided significantly at least 20 times smaller average size (1.3–2.2 µm) and broader size distribution (1.5–8.5) than HSS (45.5–67.4 µm and 1.0–1.4, respectively). The encapsulation efficiency was influenced by the polymer composition and the emulsification technique, especially in the PLA microparticles. The DSC and XRD results suggested that the drug was compatible with and molecularly dissolved in the polymer matrix. Furthermore, most of the drug molecules existed in an amorphous form, and some in any crystalline form. All of the microparticles had biphasic drug release composed of the burst release within the first 2 h and the sustained release over 35 days. The obtained microparticles showed promise for further use in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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31 pages, 9728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Plasticizers and Accelerated Ageing on Biodegradation of PLA under Controlled Composting Conditions

by Pavel Brdlík, Jan Novák, Martin Borůvka, Luboš Běhálek and Petr Lenfeld

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010140 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3807

Abstract

The overall performance of plasticizers on common mechanical and physical properties, as well as on the processability of polylactic acid (PLA) films, is well-explored. However, the influence of plasticizers on biodegradation is still in its infancy. In this study, the influence of natural-based [...] Read more.

The overall performance of plasticizers on common mechanical and physical properties, as well as on the processability of polylactic acid (PLA) films, is well-explored. However, the influence of plasticizers on biodegradation is still in its infancy. In this study, the influence of natural-based dicarboxylic acid-based ester plasticizers (MC2178 and MC2192), acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC Citroflex A4), and polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) on the biodegradation of extruded PLA films was evaluated. Furthermore, the influence of accelerated ageing on the performance properties and biodegradation of films was further investigated. The biodegradation of films was determined under controlled thermophilic composting conditions (ISO 14855-1). Apart from respirometry, an evaluation of the degree of disintegration, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of film surfaces was conducted. The influence of melt-processing with plasticizers has a significant effect on structural changes. Especially, the degree of crystallinity has been found to be a major factor which affects the biodegradation rate. The lowest biodegradation rates have been evaluated for films plasticized with PEG 400. These lower molecular weight plasticizers enhanced the crystallinity degrees of the PLA phase due to an increase in chain mobility. On the contrary, the highest biodegradation rate was found for films plasticized with MC2192, which has a higher molecular weight and evoked minimal structural changes of the PLA. From the evaluated results, it could also be stated that migration of plasticizers, physical ageing, and chain scission of films prompted by ageing significantly influenced both the mechanical and thermal properties, as well as the biodegradation rate. Therefore, the ageing of parts has to be taken into consideration for the proper evolution of the biodegradation of plasticized PLA and their applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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16 pages, 1360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioconversion of Used Transformer Oil into Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Acinetobacter sp. Strain AAAID-1.5

by Shehu Idris, Rashidah Abdul Rahim, Ahmad Nazri Saidin and Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010097 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2445

Abstract

In this research, the utilisation of used transformer oil (UTO) as carbon feedstock for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) was targeted; with a view to reducing the environmental challenges associated with the disposal of the used oil and provision of an alternative to [...] Read more.

In this research, the utilisation of used transformer oil (UTO) as carbon feedstock for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) was targeted; with a view to reducing the environmental challenges associated with the disposal of the used oil and provision of an alternative to non-biodegradable synthetic plastic. Acinetobacter sp. strain AAAID-1.5 is a PHA-producing bacterium recently isolated from a soil sample collected in Penang, Malaysia. The PHA-producing capability of this bacterium was assessed through laboratory experiments in a shake flask biosynthesis under controlled culture conditions. The effect of some biosynthesis factors on growth and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) accumulation was also investigated, the structural composition of the PHA produced by the organism was established, and the characteristics of the polymer were determined using standard analytical methods. The results indicated that the bacteria could effectively utilise UTO and produce PHA up to 34% of its cell dry weight. Analysis of the effect of some biosynthesis factors revealed that the concentration of carbon substrate, incubation time, the concentration of yeast extract and utilisation of additional carbon substrates could influence the growth and polymer accumulation in the test organism. Manipulation of culture conditions resulted in an enhanced accumulation of the PHA. The data obtained from GC-MS and NMR analyses indicated that the PHA produced might have been composed of 3-hydroxyoctadecanoate and 3-hydroxyhexadecanoate as the major monomers. The physicochemical analysis of a sample of the polymer revealed an amorphous elastomer with average molecular weight and polydispersity index (PDI) of 110 kDa and 2.01, respectively. The melting and thermal degradation temperatures were 88 °C and 268 °C, respectively. The findings of this work indicated that used transformer oil could be used as an alternative carbon substrate for PHA biosynthesis. Also, Acinetobacter sp. strain AAAID-1.5 could serve as an effective agent in the bioconversion of waste oils, especially UTO, to produce biodegradable plastics. These may undoubtedly provide a foundation for further exploration of UTO as an alternative carbon substrate in the biosynthesis of specific polyhydroxyalkanoates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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16 pages, 3617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Epoxidized and Maleinized Corn Oil on Properties of Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Blend

by Jaume Sempere-Torregrosa, Jose Miguel Ferri, Harrison de la Rosa-Ramírez, Cristina Pavon and Maria Dolores Samper

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4205; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14194205 - 7 Oct 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2681

Abstract

The present work analyzes the influence of modified, epoxidized and maleinized corn oil as a plasticizing and/or compatibilizing agent in the PLA–PHB blend (75% PLA and 25% PHB wt.%). The chemical modification processes of corn oil were successfully carried out and different quantities [...] Read more.

The present work analyzes the influence of modified, epoxidized and maleinized corn oil as a plasticizing and/or compatibilizing agent in the PLA–PHB blend (75% PLA and 25% PHB wt.%). The chemical modification processes of corn oil were successfully carried out and different quantities were used, between 0 and 10% wt.%. The different blends obtained were characterized by thermal, mechanical, morphological, and disintegration tests under composting conditions. It was observed that to achieve the same plasticizing effect, less maleinized corn oil (MCO) is needed than epoxidized corn oil (ECO). Both oils improve the ductile properties of the PLA–PHB blend, such as elongation at break and impact absorb energy, however, the strength properties decrease. The ones that show the highest ductility values are those that contain 10% ECO and 5% MCO, improving the elongation of the break of the PLA–PHB blend by more than 400% and by more than 800% for the sample PLA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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12 pages, 15278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modification of Poly(lactic acid) with Orange Peel Powder as Biodegradable Composite

by Nonni Soraya Sambudi, Wai Yi Lin, Noorfidza Yub Harun and Dhani Mutiari

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4126; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14194126 - 2 Oct 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4654

Abstract

Traditional fossil-based plastic usage and disposal has been one of the largest environmental concerns due to its non-biodegradable nature and high energy consumption during the manufacturing process. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a renewable polymer derived from natural sources with properties comparable to classical [...] Read more.

Traditional fossil-based plastic usage and disposal has been one of the largest environmental concerns due to its non-biodegradable nature and high energy consumption during the manufacturing process. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a renewable polymer derived from natural sources with properties comparable to classical plastics and low environmental cost has gained much attention as a safer alternative. Abundantly generated orange peel waste is rich in valuable components and there is still limited study on the potential uses of orange peel waste in reinforcing the PLA matrix. In this study, orange peel fine powder (OPP) synthesized from dried orange peel waste was added into PLA solution. PLA/OPP solutions at different OPP loadings, i.e., 0, 10, 20, 40, and 60 wt% were then casted out as thin films through solution casting method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis has shown that the OPP is incorporated into the PLA matrix, with OH groups and C=C stretching from OPP can be observed in the spectra. Tensile test results have reviewed that the addition of OPP has decreased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of PLA, but significantly improve the elongation at break by 49 to 737%. Water contact angle analysis shows that hydrophilic OPP has modified the surface hydrophobicity of PLA with a contact angle ranging from 70.12° to 88.18°, but higher loadings lead to decrease of surface energy. It is proven that addition of OPP improves the biodegradability of PLA, where PLA/60 wt% OPP composite shows the best biodegradation performance after 28 days with 60.43% weight loss. Lastly, all PLA/OPP composites have better absorption in alkaline solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 2117 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polyhydroxybutyrate Metabolism in Azospirillum brasilense and Its Applications, a Review

by María de los Ángeles Martínez Martínez, Lucía Soto Urzúa, Yovani Aguilar Carrillo, Mirian Becerril Ramírez and Luis Javier Martínez Morales

Polymers 2023, 15(14), 3027; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15143027 - 13 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2553

Abstract

Gram-negative Azospirillum brasilense accumulates approximately 80% of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as dry cell weight. For this reason, this bacterium has been characterized as one of the main microorganisms that produce PHB. PHB is synthesized inside bacteria by the polymerization of 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers. In this [...] Read more.

Gram-negative Azospirillum brasilense accumulates approximately 80% of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as dry cell weight. For this reason, this bacterium has been characterized as one of the main microorganisms that produce PHB. PHB is synthesized inside bacteria by the polymerization of 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers. In this review, we are focusing on the analysis of the PHB production by A. brasilense in order to understand the metabolism during PHB accumulation. First, the carbon and nitrogen sources used to improve PHB accumulation are discussed. A. brasilense accumulates more PHB when it is grown on a minimal medium containing a high C/N ratio, mainly from malate and ammonia chloride, respectively. The metabolic pathways to accumulate and mobilize PHB in A. brasilense are mentioned and compared with those of other microorganisms. Next, we summarize the available information to understand the role of the genes involved in the regulation of PHB metabolism as well as the role of PHB in the physiology of Azospirillum. Finally, we made a comparison between the properties of PHB and polypropylene, and we discussed some applications of PHB in biomedical and commercial areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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17 pages, 4627 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Degradation of Polymer Plastics by Insects Inhabiting Microorganisms

by Rongrong An, Chengguo Liu, Jun Wang and Puyou Jia

Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051307 - 5 Mar 2023

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7266

Abstract

Plastic pollution endangers all natural ecosystems and living creatures on earth. Excessive reliance on plastic products and excessive production of plastic packaging are extremely dangerous for humans because plastic waste has polluted almost the entire world, whether it is in the sea or [...] Read more.

Plastic pollution endangers all natural ecosystems and living creatures on earth. Excessive reliance on plastic products and excessive production of plastic packaging are extremely dangerous for humans because plastic waste has polluted almost the entire world, whether it is in the sea or on the land. This review introduces the examination of pollution brought by non-degradable plastics, the classification and application of degradable materials, and the current situation and strategy to address plastic pollution and plastic degradation by insects, which mainly include Galleria mellonella, Zophobas atratus, Tenebrio molitor, and other insects. The efficiency of plastic degradation by insects, biodegradation mechanism of plastic waste, and the structure and composition of degradable products are reviewed. The development direction of degradable plastics in the future and plastic degradation by insects are prospected. This review provides effective ways to solve plastic pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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23 pages, 2491 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biocomposite Materials Based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and Chitosan: A Review

by Yuliya Zhuikova, Vsevolod Zhuikov and Valery Varlamov

Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5549; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245549 - 18 Dec 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3825

Abstract

One of the important directions in the development of modern medical devices is the search and creation of new materials, both synthetic and natural, which can be more effective in their properties than previously used materials. Traditional materials such as metals, ceramics, and [...] Read more.

One of the important directions in the development of modern medical devices is the search and creation of new materials, both synthetic and natural, which can be more effective in their properties than previously used materials. Traditional materials such as metals, ceramics, and synthetic polymers used in medicine have certain drawbacks, such as insufficient biocompatibility and the emergence of an immune response from the body. Natural biopolymers have found applications in various fields of biology and medicine because they demonstrate a wide range of biological activity, biodegradability, and accessibility. This review first described the properties of the two most promising biopolymers belonging to the classes of polyhydroxyalkanoates and polysaccharides—polyhydroxybutyrate and chitosan. However, homopolymers also have some disadvantages, overcome which becomes possible by creating polymer composites. The article presents the existing methods of creating a composite of two polymers: copolymerization, electrospinning, and different ways of mixing, with a description of the properties of the resulting compositions. The development of polymer composites is a promising field of material sciences, which allows, based on the combination of existing substances, to develop of materials with significantly improved properties or to modify of the properties of each of their constituent components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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46 pages, 3156 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress on Tailoring the Biomass-Derived Cellulose Hybrid Composite Photocatalysts

by Yi Ding Chai, Yean Ling Pang, Steven Lim, Woon Chan Chong, Chin Wei Lai and Ahmad Zuhairi Abdullah

Polymers 2022, 14(23), 5244; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14235244 - 1 Dec 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3496

Abstract

Biomass-derived cellulose hybrid composite materials are promising for application in the field of photocatalysis due to their excellent properties. The excellent properties between biomass-derived cellulose and photocatalyst materials was induced by biocompatibility and high hydrophilicity of the cellulose components. Biomass-derived cellulose exhibited huge [...] Read more.

Biomass-derived cellulose hybrid composite materials are promising for application in the field of photocatalysis due to their excellent properties. The excellent properties between biomass-derived cellulose and photocatalyst materials was induced by biocompatibility and high hydrophilicity of the cellulose components. Biomass-derived cellulose exhibited huge amount of electron-rich hydroxyl group which could promote superior interaction with the photocatalyst. Hence, the original sources and types of cellulose, synthesizing methods, and fabrication cellulose composites together with applications are reviewed in this paper. Different types of biomasses such as biochar, activated carbon (AC), cellulose, chitosan, and chitin were discussed. Cellulose is categorized as plant cellulose, bacterial cellulose, algae cellulose, and tunicate cellulose. The extraction and purification steps of cellulose were explained in detail. Next, the common photocatalyst nanomaterials including titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), and graphene, were introduced based on their distinct structures, advantages, and limitations in water treatment applications. The synthesizing method of TiO₂-based photocatalyst includes hydrothermal synthesis, sol-gel synthesis, and chemical vapor deposition synthesis. Different synthesizing methods contribute toward different TiO₂ forms in terms of structural phases and surface morphology. The fabrication and performance of cellulose composite catalysts give readers a better understanding of the incorporation of cellulose in the development of sustainable and robust photocatalysts. The modifications including metal doping, non-metal doping, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) showed improvements on the degradation performance of cellulose composite catalysts. The information and evidence on the fabrication techniques of biomass-derived cellulose hybrid photocatalyst and its recent application in the field of water treatment were reviewed thoroughly in this review paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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25 pages, 2626 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Critical Review on Hygrothermal and Sound Absorption Behavior of Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

by V. Bhuvaneswari, Balaji Devarajan, B. Arulmurugan, R. Mahendran, S. Rajkumar, Shubham Sharma, Kuwar Mausam, Changhe Li and Elsayed Tag Eldin

Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4727; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214727 - 4 Nov 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3096

Abstract

Increasing global environmental problems and awareness towards the utilization of eco-friendly resources enhanced the progress of research towards the development of next-generation biodegradable and environmentally friendly material. The development of natural-based composite material has led to various advantages such as a reduction in [...] Read more.

Increasing global environmental problems and awareness towards the utilization of eco-friendly resources enhanced the progress of research towards the development of next-generation biodegradable and environmentally friendly material. The development of natural-based composite material has led to various advantages such as a reduction in greenhouse gases and carbon footprints. In spite of the various advantages obtained from green materials, there are also a few disadvantages, such as poor interfacial compatibility between the polymer matrix and natural reinforcements and the high hydrophilicity of composites due to the reinforcement of hydrophilic natural fibers. This review focuses on various moisture-absorbing and sound-absorbing natural fiber polymer composites along with the synopsis of preparation methods of natural fiber polymer composites. It was stated in various studies that natural fibers are durable with a long life but their moisture absorption behavior depends on various factors. Such natural fibers possess different moisture absorption behavior rates and different moisture absorption behavior. The conversion of hydrophilic fibers into hydrophobic is deemed very important in improving the mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of the natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites. One more physical property that requires the involvement of natural fibers in place of synthetic fibers is the sound absorption behavior. Various researchers have made experiments using natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites as sound-absorbing materials. It was found from various studies that composites with higher thickness, porosity, and density behaved as better sound-absorbing materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials)

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