Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vesna Ocelic Bulatovic, Vilko Mandic, Dajana Kucic Grgic, Antonio Ivancic
Summary: This study explored the use of environmentally friendly biodegradable materials, such as Thermoplastic starch (TPS), as a replacement for conventional polymeric materials. By blending TPS with other biodegradable polymers like PLA and PCL, researchers aimed to create renewable, cost-effective materials that meet functional requirements and ensure complete biodegradation. The investigation of PLA/PCL/TPS ternary blends with compositional variations highlighted the potential for producing a new generation of biodegradable plastics without burdening the environment.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Apoorva Kulkarni, Ramani Narayan
Summary: This paper discusses the synthesis of modified thermoplastic starch (MTPS) and glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) blends using a twin-screw extruder. The blend showed uniform dispersion of MTPS in PETG matrix, indicating compatibilization through graft copolymers generated during the extrusion process. Adding 30% MTPS reduced the carbon footprint by removing 0.5 kg CO2 from the environment/kg resin. Biodegradability studies revealed that the starch component degraded rapidly, but the PETG remained unchanged, suggesting that starch does not enhance the biodegradability of nonbiodegradable polymers.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Amirreza Zabihi, Mohammad Fasihi
Summary: The study compared the preparation and characterization of polymer blends containing two types of polystyrene and thermoplastic corn starch. The addition of a low volume of polystyrene increased the ultimate tensile strength of TPS by more than 200%. The Tg of the TPS-rich phase was unexpectedly lower than that of pure TPS.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sung Kyu Kim, Hyun Wook Jung, Dasom Son, Jae Hyeok Han, DongHo Kang, Sang In Kang, Junhyuk Lee, Jin Kie Shim
Summary: In this study, a thermoplastic starch/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (TPS/PBAT) blend with improved compatibility, mechanical properties, and water resistance was successfully prepared using in situ reactive compatibilization. The addition of 3% copolymer showed the best results, increasing the tensile strength of the blend and reducing the size of TPS domains in the PBAT matrix. The complex viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus also increased with increasing copolymer content, indicating enhanced compatibility between TPS and PBAT. Furthermore, the water resistance improved, as evidenced by increased contact angle and water vapor barrier properties.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Piyawanee Jariyasakoolroj, Raksit Supthanyakul, Apirat Laobuthee, Amornrat Lertworasirikul, Rangrong Yoksan, Suttinun Phongtamrug, Suwabun Chirachanchai
Summary: The study successfully demonstrated the formation of covalent bonds between PLA and mTPS phases using 2D-NMR, leading to improved degradation rate and flexibility of the PLA film.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Han Yang, Bin Hu, Fulu Chang, Lun Chen, Xianwu Cao, Guangjian He
Summary: In this study, starch was chosen as a biomass nucleating agent to enhance the crystalline properties of PLA without affecting its biodegradability. PLA/starch composites were prepared using a unique UV-induced reactive extrusion technique with the synergistic effect of GMA and TMPTA. The modified PLA showed improved compatibility with starch and the presence of starch promoted PLA crystallization, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties of the composite.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Edith Gutierrez-Montiel, Carlos Alberto Avila-Orta, Zaira Esmeralda Cabrera-Canales, Carlos Andres Covarrubias-Gordillo, Pamela Yajaira Reyes-Rodriguez, Jesus Gilberto Rodriguez-Velazquez, Judith Nazareth Cabello-Romero, Heidi Andrea Fonseca-Florido
Summary: Global concern over plastic disposal and its environmental impact has led to the development of biodegradable plastics with lower impact. However, their functional properties and processability are still limited. In this study, thermoplastic starch (TPS) was synthesized through reactive extrusion (REX) to improve TPS processability and incorporate new functionalities. Different modifications of TPS resulted in varied band intensities and crystal structures. The combination of modifications in O-MA-TPS showed the lowest crystallinity and viscosity values, leading to improved performance. These starches can be mixed with other plastic polymers for better compatibility and increased use of TPS in applications where lower viscosity and easier processability are required.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rangrong Yoksan, Apinya Boontanimitr, Natthawarin Klompong, Thapakmanee Phothongsurakun
Summary: This study analyzed the effect of duckweed biomass on the characteristics and properties of a poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic cassava starch blend. The results showed that the incorporation of low concentrations of duckweed increased the strength and hardness of the blend. Additionally, duckweed had an impact on the melt flow ability and hydrophilicity of the blend, and the moisture and glycerol from duckweed and cassava starch played a role in changing the properties of the blend.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Skulrat Pichaiyut, Chalermphong Uttaro, Kritnarong Ritthikan, Charoen Nakason
Summary: Biodegradable thermoplastic elastomer was prepared by blending natural rubber and thermoplastic starch using dynamic vulcanization and simple blend techniques. The dynamic curing process resulted in NR/TPS blends with superior mechanical, thermal, and dynamic properties compared to the simple blend. Among three alternative sulfur curing systems, the semi-efficient cure system showed the highest performance, attributed to the balanced crosslinking reactions and thermal breakdown of sulfidic linkages. The DV process with semi-efficient system also achieved the smallest dispersed NR domains and finely dispersed crosslinked networks, providing higher resistance to biodegradation and accelerated weathering.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tianshi Li, Yinghao Zhang, Yifan Jin, Lixia Bao, Lulu Dong, Yuyang Zheng, Jun Xia, Ling Jiang, Yiyang Kang, Jiliang Wang
Summary: This study presents a solvent-free method for preparing sugarcane lignin-based biocomposites with exceptional thermoplasticity, reasonable mechanical properties, acceptable hydrophobicity, and considerable biodegradability, even with lignin content exceeding 60 wt%. The thermoplasticization mechanism of these biocomposites was extensively studied. The developed sugarcane lignin-based biocomposites show optimal tensile strength, hardness, shape stability after water soaking, thermoplasticization temperature, and on-set thermal decomposition temperature of about 14 MPa, 75 D, 99%, 110 degrees C, and 245 degrees C, respectively. These biocomposites have great potential in replacing unsustainable and non-degradable daily use products such as polyethylene-based containers, packaging materials, decoration materials, and furniture.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Changfeng Ge, Baxter Lansing, Christopher L. Lewis
Summary: The study found that blends containing 25% or 75% TPS could serve as alternative barrier layers due to their relatively low material cost, good oxygen barrier performance and adequate material properties.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Chanakorn Yokesahachart, Rangrong Yoksan, Nattaporn Khanoonkon, Amar Kumar Mohanty, Manjusri Misra
Summary: The study demonstrates that the addition of jute fiber can improve the modulus of the starch/poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blend, but decrease its elongation at break and impact strength. With increasing jute fiber concentration, the modulus of the composites significantly increases, while the crystallinity of PLA also increases and the thermal properties change.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Phanwipa Wongphan, Nathdanai Harnkarnsujarit
Summary: The study investigated the effects of different degrees of substitution of hydroxypropyl cassava starch with agar and maltodextrin on the microstructure and properties of edible packaging films. The findings suggested that higher DS starch and agar improved extrusion processability, while maltodextrin increased plasticization and reduced network strength, affecting the overall performance of the films. The combination of agar and maltodextrin also influenced the water vapor and oxygen permeability of the films, showing potential for enhancing the properties of the packaging materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Anayansi Estrada-Monje, Sergio Alonso-Romero, Roberto Zitzumbo-Guzman, Ivan Alziri Estrada-Moreno, Erasto Armando Zaragoza-Contreras
Summary: The research found partial compatibility of cassava starch and corn starch with polycaprolactone (PCL) in the blends, along with changes in crystal quality of PCL and displacement of absorption bands in the infrared spectrum. The crystallinity of PCL in the presence of cassava and corn starch was higher than that of pure PCL, suggesting improved nucleation at the interface. Based on these findings, the blends are suitable for manufacturing short-term use products using conventional thermoplastic processing methods.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Michael Giffin, Christopher J. G. Plummer, Holger Frauenrath
Summary: Semiaromatic polyamides were blended with amine-terminated polyethylene to form PA-PE block copolymers, which improved the ductility and toughness of polyamides and expanded their application range in advanced engineering.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rafael Grande, Long Bai, Ling Wang, Wenchao Xiang, Olli Ikkala, Antonio J. F. Carvalho, Orlando J. Rojas
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Polymer Science
Eliane Trovatti, Isabela G. Goncalves, Antonio J. F. Carvalho, Alessandro Gandini
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Gustavo de Souza, Mohamed Naceur Belgacem, Alessandro Gandini, Antonio Jose Felix Carvalho
Summary: Surface modification of cellulose films with blocked diisocyanates through a dipping and heating process led to the formation of a new urethane bond that hydrophobized the films, enhancing water repellent properties significantly. The modified films showed water contact angles higher than 110 degrees and a low water vapor transmission rate compared to similar materials, representing a 74% reduction in comparison to non-modified films.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Bruno R. Rossi, Vanessa O. A. Pellegrini, Anelyse A. Cortez, Emanoele M. S. Chiromito, Antonio J. F. Carvalho, Lidiane O. Pinto, Camila A. Rezende, Valmor R. Mastelaro, Igor Polikarpov
Summary: In this study, a combination of three different recombinant enzymes was used to enhance cellulose fibrillation and produce CNF with improved properties. The cooperative action of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes prior to sonication resulted in longer and more thermostable CNFs.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Renata Aquino de Carvalho, Valmir Vieira Rocha Junior, Antonio Jose Felix Carvalho, Heloisa Sobreiro Selistre de Araujo, Monica Rosas Costa Iemma, Eliane Trovatti, Andre Capaldo Amaral
Summary: This study successfully validated the concept of a cellularized bioactive scaffold and demonstrated its potential for application in bone regenerative medicine.
JOURNAL OF BIOACTIVE AND COMPATIBLE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Luis Henrique Montrezor, Luiz Guilherme Dercore Benevenuto, Bruna Fernandes Antunes, Andre Capaldo Amaral, Lisias Pereira Novo, Antonio Jose Felix Carvalho, Eliane Trovatti
Summary: Cell carriers such as chitosan, alginate and cellulose play a critical role in influencing cell behavior and osteogenesis. In a study where rat bone marrow cells were grown on the surface of these polymers, it was found that the nature of the substrate impacted the amount and morphology of the inorganic matrix produced, with perfect hexagonal crystals forming on chitosan, alginate, and cellulose surfaces.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mariana Alves Rios, Paula Aboud Barbugli, Monica Rosas Costa Iemma, Rafael Grande, Antonio Jose Felix Carvalho, Eliane Trovatti
Summary: The study presents a newly developed fiber-shaped cell carrier system, which effectively incorporates cells and demonstrates potential in cell viability and osteogenic capabilities. The system shows promise for cell therapy applications as a new assembled hydrogel carrier.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Ricardo Klaus Kramer, Antonio Jose Felix Carvalho
Summary: Understanding the nature of water-cellulose interactions is crucial for grasping cellulose properties and developing new processing approaches. Through high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), researchers identified three types of non-freezing water using the auto stepwise method, providing new insights into water-cellulose interactions that traditional techniques like DSC may not detect. Activation energy for strongly bound water desorption and cellulose degradation energy were estimated using the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall method.
Article
Polymer Science
Bruna Fernandes Antunes, Antonio Gilberto Ferreira, Andre Capaldo Amaral, Antonio Jose Felix Carvalho, Alessandro Gandini, Eliane Trovatti
Summary: The click Diels-Alder cycloaddition is a highly efficient reaction for biomaterials coupling and synthesis, which can be performed without catalysts, generate no side products, and take place under mild conditions in an aqueous medium. The grafting of furan ring to chemically oxidized starch and its crosslinking via the Diels-Alder reaction, mimicking body conditions, shows promise for cell encapsulation and delivery. The biocompatibility of the crosslinked starch was assessed through cytotoxicity tests, indicating its potential applications in the field.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Juliana M. P. Almeida, Lucas H. Staffa, Debora T. Balogh, Antonio J. F. Carvalho
Summary: The influence of adding narrow molar mass distribution polystyrene homopolymer on the morphology and/or dewetting processing of triblock copolymer thin films was investigated. It was found that the addition of the homopolymer caused a transition in the structure and increased the interdomain distance of the copolymer. The amount of homopolymer added in the blend directly affected the control of spacing and interdomain distance.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Gustavo de Souza, Mohamed Naceur Belgacem, Alessandro Gandini, Antonio Jose Felix Carvalho
Summary: Hydrophobic nanofibrilated cellulose (NFC) films were prepared by modifying the surface with two isocyanates, resulting in improved water vapor transmission rate and stiffness.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gustavo de Souza, Ricardo K. Kramer, Antonio J. F. Carvalhow
JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Biology
Sarah Felicio Braga, Eliane Trovatti, Renata Aquino de Carvalho, Antonio Jose Felix de Carvalho, Monica Rosas da Costa Lemma, Andre Capaldo Amaral
BRAZILIAN ARCHIVES OF BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Amanda de Lima Pizi Candido, Nathalia Ferreira Fregonezi, Antonio Jose Felix Carvalho, Eliane Trovatti, Flavia Aparecida Resende
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ana Clara Lancarovici Alves, Rafael Grande, Antonio Jose Felix Carvalho
JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE MATERIALS
(2019)
