Review
Polymer Science
Jet Yin Boey, Lydia Mohamad, Yong Sen Khok, Guan Seng Tay, Siti Baidurah
Summary: The overconsumption and improper handling of plastic result in environmental issues, while biopolymers like PHA and PLA are considered alternative options. These biopolymers show potential in food packaging, but further improvements are needed to enhance their applicability.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kjeld W. Meereboer, Akhilesh Kumar Pal, Manjusri Misra, Amar K. Mohanty
Summary: Adding distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and peroxide can significantly improve the glass transition temperature and tensile modulus of PHBV/PPC (60/40) bioplastic matrix. The fibrous structure of DDGS can enhance the mechanical properties of the composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Magdalena L. Iglesias-Montes, Michelina Soccio, Francesca Luzi, Debora Puglia, Massimo Gazzano, Nadia Lotti, Liliana B. Manfredi, Viviana P. Cyras
Summary: The migration behavior and disintegration of films based on PLA-PHB blends under composting conditions were studied. It was found that plasticized PHB degraded the fastest, with the TB plasticizer speeding up the process. Different degradation mechanisms were identified for PLA and PHB.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen-Xiang Ou, Yunxuan Weng, Jian-Bing Zeng, Yi-Dong Li
Summary: Improved compatibility and interfacial adhesion of PLA/lignin composites were achieved through reactive compatibilization with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) as a compatibilizer. The interfacial reaction of ENR with both PLA and lignin was confirmed by morphology analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The incorporation and increase in the content of ENR significantly enhanced the compatibility, interfacial adhesion, and mechanical properties of the composites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Baiwang Wang, Zhongyu Qi, Xiaojian Chen, Ce Sun, Wenrui Yao, Hao Zheng, Mengyao Liu, Wenlong Li, Aihang Qin, Haiyan Tan, Yanhua Zhang
Summary: In this paper, lightweight WF/PLA composites were prepared using wood fiber and PLA as raw materials and azodicarbonamide as the foaming agent. The composites exhibited excellent mechanical properties and thermal insulation performance, making them suitable for replacing traditional wood in the construction field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Baiwang Wang, Zhongyu Qi, Xiaojian Chen, Ce Sun, Wenrui Yao, Hao Zheng, Mengyao Liu, Wenlong Li, Aihang Qin, Haiyan Tan, Yanhua Zhang
Summary: Lightweight WF/PLA composites were prepared using wood fiber and PLA and demonstrated low density, excellent mechanical properties, and thermal insulation, making them suitable for replacing traditional wood in the construction field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongwei Pan, Xiangyu Wang, Shiling Jia, Zifeng Lu, Junjia Bian, Huili Yang, Lijing Han, Huiliang Zhang
Summary: The study showed that basalt fiber and basalt fiber powder played crucial roles in PLA composites, promoting crystallization, enhancing mechanical properties, and significantly improving heat resistance properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sadia Mehmood Satti, Edgar Castro-Aguirre, Aamer Ali Shah, Terence L. Marsh, Rafael Auras
Summary: The genomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa S3, Sphingobacterium S2, and Geobacillus EC-3, isolated from compost, were annotated to understand their ability to degrade poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The draft genomes revealed catabolic genes for biodegradation of xenobiotics, aromatic compounds, and lactic acid, as well as genes related to biofilm formation and regulation. These isolates possess essential genetic elements for PLA metabolism at both mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Masek, Stefan Cichosz, Malgorzata Piotrowska
Summary: The study successfully prepared sustainable and degradable elastic PLA blends with high tensile strength and elongation, improved by the addition of flax fiber and montmorillonite, showing potential to become competitive and eco-friendly alternatives.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fang Wu, Jie Tan, Jin-Hui Wu, Jun-Chi Zhou, Yao Wu
Summary: A bifunctional additive b-PBAUi was synthesized to simultaneously improve the toughness and antibacterial activity of PLLA. Microvoids were found to be the main tensile toughening mechanism for PLLA/b-PBAUi blends. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of PLLA was significantly enhanced by adding b-PBAUi.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Han-Seung Ko, Sangwoon Lee, Doyoung Lee, Jae Young Jho
Summary: By introducing PGA fibers and HA into PLA composites and modifying HA, the tensile and flexural strength of PLA/HA-g-PLA composites were improved, along with enhancing the interfacial adhesion between HA and the PLA matrix.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Geonhee Han, Juhee Yoon, Changsuk Lee, Eunhye Lee, Kichull Yoon, Hyo Won Kwak, Hyoung-Joon Jin
Summary: In this study, we conducted biodegradation tests on PLLA/aPHA blends using ISO 14855-2 as a basis. The results showed that the compatibility of aPHA with PLLA interferes with PLLA crystallization, resulting in an amorphous PLLA structure. The microphase separation of the polymers creates channels that increase the surface area accessible to microorganisms, facilitating biodegradation. Furthermore, low-molecular-weight acids generated from aPHA contribute to the autocatalytic effect, promoting biodegradation. Blending PLLA with aPHA has the potential to improve PLLA's biodegradability and widen its range of applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruth Anayimi Lafia-Araga, Ronald Sabo, Omid Nabinejad, Laurent Matuana, Nicole Stark
Summary: In this study, cellulose nanofibrils were modified by catalyzed lactic acid esterification in an aqueous medium. The modification improved the mechanical properties of the films, reduced water absorption, and enhanced barrier properties. The addition of lactic acid-grafted CNF to PLA composites improved water vapor permeability, showing potential for environmentally friendly modification of CNFs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zoi Terzopoulou, Eleftheria Xanthopoulou, Nikolaos Pardalis, Christina P. P. Pappa, Stylianos Torofias, Konstantinos S. S. Triantafyllidis, Dimitrios N. N. Bikiaris
Summary: This study focuses on the use of organosolv lignin from beech wood as fillers in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to produce PLA/lignin composites. The composites were characterized and tested, showing uniform dispersion, improved antioxidant activity, and maintained mechanical properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Atsuki Takagi, Yu- Hsu, Hiroshi Uyama
Summary: As the environmental pollution caused by plastic waste and dependence on petroleum resources become more serious, the demand for biodegradable plastics and bioplastics is increasing. This study successfully improved the toughness and biodegradability of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) through copolymerization.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuehong Zhang, Vijay Kumar Thakur, Yuzhan Li, Thomas F. Garrison, Zhenhua Gao, Jiyou Gu, Michael R. Kessler
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2018)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuehong Zhang, Yuzhan Li, Vijay Kumar Thakur, Zhenhua Gao, Jiyou Gu, Michael R. Kessler
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2018)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuehong Zhang, Yuzhan Li, Vijay Kumar Thakur, Liwei Wang, Jiyou Gu, Zhenhua Gao, Bo Fan, Qiong Wu, Michael R. Kessler
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samy A. Madbouly, Michael R. Kessler
Review
Polymer Science
Rafael L. Quirino, Khristal Monroe, Carl H. Fleischer, Eletria Biswas, Michael R. Kessler
Summary: This review discusses recent advancements in bio-based thermosets with a focus on resins prepared from vegetable oils, natural phenolic compounds, and other recently developed thermosetting systems. The article concludes with a critical perspective on the environmental implications of bio-based thermosets.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jyani S. Vaddi, Stephen D. Holland, Michael R. Kessler
Summary: This paper describes a method to calculate the loss modulus of a viscoelastic polymer material at high frequencies based on vibrothermography. By measuring the surface temperature of the polymer coating and by solving the heat transfer equation, the heat intensity dissipated at the polymer is estimated. The measurement method is demonstrated with two different polymer materials at several frequencies and compared with results from dynamic mechanical analysis experiments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuzhan Li, Monojoy Goswami, Yuehong Zhang, Tuan Liu, Jinwen Zhang, Michael R. Kessler, Liwei Wang, Orlando Rios
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuzhan Li, Veronica Ambrogi, Pierfrancesco Cerruti, Monojoy Goswami, Zhou Yang, Michael R. Kessler, Orlando Rios
Summary: Liquid crystalline epoxy networks (LCENs) are a type of functional materials that combine the properties of liquid crystals and epoxy networks, showing unique thermal, mechanical, and stimuli-responsive characteristics. They are widely used in various applications such as sensors, coatings, and soft robotics. By understanding the structure-processing-property relationships, materials engineers can develop LCENs with desired functionalities. Research on LCENs continues to advance, with focus on advanced manufacturing and multi-functional design, providing novel materials for future technologies.
INTERNATIONAL MATERIALS REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuehong Zhang, Mengjiao Zhai, Fei Ma, Yuzhan Li, Bin Lyu, Tuan Liu, Zhenhua Gao, Liwei Wang, Dan Vincent, Michael R. Kessler
Summary: Eugenol-based epoxy resins were synthesized and cured with a eugenol-derived diamine, showing comparable properties to petroleum-based counterparts. The study demonstrates the potential of eugenol as a renewable resource for developing sustainable polymers with high value-added chemicals.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Correction
Polymer Science
Yuzhan Li, Jong K. Keum, Jun Wang, Naisheng Jiang, Wim Bras, Michael R. Kessler, Orlando Rios
Article
Polymer Science
Yuzhan Li, Jong K. Keum, Jun Wang, Naisheng Jiang, Wim Bras, Michael R. Kessler, Orlando Rios
Summary: Liquid crystalline elastomers exhibit unique shape memory behavior due to the combination of liquid crystalline orientation and rubber elasticity. Multiscale structural characterization upon deformation is crucial to understanding the structure-property relationships of these materials. Selective deuteration enables an improved neutron scattering contrast between different domains in the LCE, revealing the presence of highly aligned amorphous domains and the formation of structures in the micrometer scale.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mahjabeen Javed, Tyler Corazao, Mohand O. Saed, Cedric P. Ambulo, Yuzhan Li, Michael R. Kessler, Taylor H. Ware
Summary: The inclusion of semicrystallinity in liquid crystal elastomers enhances mechanical properties and allows for programmable director profiles through directed self-assembly.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Samy A. Madbouly, Ying Xia, Michael R. Kessler
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuzhan Li, Yuehong Zhang, Monojoy Goswami, Dan Vincent, Liwei Wang, Tuan Liu, Kai Li, Jong K. Keum, Zhenhua Gao, Soydan Ozcan, Kyle R. Gluesenkamp, Orlando Rios, Michael R. Kessler
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengyun Liu, Junna Xin, Jihuai Tan, Tuan Liu, Michael R. Kessler, Jinwen Zhang