Article
Materials Science, Composites
Haipeng Wu, Hao Wu, Yunxiao Liu, Jie Hu, Ning Zhang, Xiao Wu, Zhen Sun, Gang Wei, Yuwei Chen, Yongxin Duan, Jianming Zhang
Summary: The combination of polymer blends and nanofillers is an effective strategy for creating high-performance polymer alloys. In this study, a one-pot synthesized polyvinyl acetate-modified cellulose nanocrystal (CNCs-PVAc) powder was used to enhance the properties of a PLLA/PBAT blend for 3D filament. The presence of ungrafted PVAc homopolymer improved the dispersion of CNCs in the blend and resulted in an improvement in strength and toughness. Additionally, the nanocomposites showed excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, and shape-memory properties.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Magdalena L. Iglesias-Montes, Michelina Soccio, Valentina Siracusa, Massimo Gazzano, Nadia Lotti, Viviana P. Cyras, Liliana B. Manfredi
Summary: A fully bio-based blend of poly(lactic acid) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) was developed, with improved properties and biodegradability through the addition of chitin nanoparticles. This research shows potential for application as biodegradable packaging materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Martin Danko, Katarina Mosnackova, Anna Vykydalova, Angela Kleinova, Andrea Puskarova, Domenico Pangallo, Marek Bujdos, Jaroslav Mosnacek
Summary: The recovery of keratin waste is an important research topic in many research groups, and incorporating keratin in plasticized PLA/PHB blends can improve thermal and mechanical properties while enhancing degradation under common environmental conditions, making it suitable for applications in agriculture and packaging.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shinhyeong Choe, Yujin Kim, Geunyong Park, Do Hyun Lee, Jehee Park, Ayantu Teshome Mossisa, Sumin Lee, Jaewook Myung
Summary: This study evaluated the biodegradation behavior of 3D-printed prototypes made from various plastics and blends. The results showed that pure PHB and PLA/PHB blends exhibited significant biodegradation, while biodegradable/non-biodegradable blends had limited biodegradation. Immiscible blends showed partial degradation and antagonism to biodegradation due to phase separation and the barrier effect. PLA/HDPE and PLA/PP blends showed improved mechanical properties but resistance to biodegradation.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rong Wang, Xiaojie Sun, Lanlan Chen, Wenbin Liang
Summary: In this study, biodegradable blends of PGA and PBAT with in situ compatibilization using MDI were prepared. The addition of PBAT was found to increase the complex viscosity and storage modulus of the blends, leading to improved compatibility and impact strength. The morphology of the dispersed phase evolved from spherical structure to in situ microfiber, enhancing interfacial adhesion and improving toughness.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adriana Kovalcik, Jiri Smilek, Michal Machovsky, Michal Kalina, Vojtech Enev, Hana Dugova, Nicole Cernekova, Maria Kovacova, Zdenko Spitalsky
Summary: Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing process that allows for the creation of highly precise complex three-dimensional objects, with potential applications in pharmaceutical and medical fields. This study investigated the potential of using poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB-co-4HB)) filaments for FDM, focusing on their thermal stability and modification of rheological and mechanical properties through plasticizers or blending with poly(lactic acid). Overall, the plasticized P(3HB-co-4HB) showed promise as a biodegradable polymer candidate for FDM processes, especially when blended with poly(lactic acid).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Wangwang Yu, Liwei Sun, Mengya Li, Meihui Li, Wen Lei, Chaohui Wei
Summary: In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) were used as raw materials to prepare different blends for FDM 3D printing by adjusting the dosage of PBS. The blend containing 10% PBS showed improved mechanical properties, crystallization performance, surface quality, and reduced water absorption, making it an ideal candidate for biodegradable feedstock among all the PBS/PLA blends for FDM 3D printing.
Article
Polymer Science
Luana C. Llanes, Samuel H. Clasen, Alfredo T. N. Pires, Idejan P. Gross
Summary: This study evaluated the plasticizing effect of dibutyl maleate and dibutyl fumarate on poly(lactic acid), showing that specimens plasticized with dibutyl fumarate exhibited lower glass transition temperature, lower Young's modulus, and higher elongation at break compared to those plasticized with dibutyl maleate.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Yu, Zhonglue Hu, Ye Zhang, Yakuang Zhang, Weiping Dong, Xiping Li, Sisi Wang
Summary: Vinyl-functionalized graphene oxide (VGO) was used as a reactive compatibilizer in the preparation of PLA/PBAT blends. The results showed that VGO nanosheets were effective in improving the blend's compatibility and PLA crystallinity. The prepared PLA/PBAT pellets were also successfully applied to 3D printing.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Li, Shuangna Yao, Changyu Han, Yancun Yu, Liguang Xiao
Summary: Three polymers P34HB, PLA, and PVAc were melt compounded to form a ternary blend with balanced properties, with PVAc showing full miscibility with PLA and P34HB. PVAc selectively dispersed in the PLA phase at low content and gradually diffused into the P34HB phase with increasing concentration. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a phase-separated morphology in all blends, with dispersed phase diameters increasing with PVAc concentration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Maria Laura Di Lorenzo
Summary: PLLA and PBS are biodegradable, compostable, and biocompatible polymers that have complementary properties, making blending them an opportunity to exploit their favorable characteristics. However, research on the properties of PLLA/PBS blends has yielded contradictory results, creating complexity in their utilization.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xue Dong, Ishani D. Premaratne, Kemal Sariibrahimoglu, Skander Limem, Jeffrey Scott, Mariam Gadjiko, Nabih Berri, Paula Ginter, Jason A. Spector
Summary: The use of 3D-printed P4HB nipple reconstruction scaffold filled with patient-derived CC or with an internal 3D lattice of P4HB filaments can promote tissue ingrowth and protect regenerated tissue. It shows potential in maintaining projection and approximating the biomechanical properties of the native human nipple.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Huaping Wang, Jinyun Cui, Siting Li, Anmin Tao, Shanshan Du, Ze Kan
Summary: This study successfully increased the crystallization temperature, rate, and nucleation density of P4HB by adding Zn(D-Phe)2 and CA as efficient nucleating agents, without damaging the crystal structure. The 3D printed P4HB scaffolds demonstrated good mechanical properties and biological activity, fully meeting the requirements of bone tissue engineering.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Giubilini, G. Colucci, G. De Trane, F. Lupone, C. Badini, P. Minetola, F. Bondioli, M. Messori
Summary: This research focuses on the fabrication and characterization of bio-based and biodegradable microspheres suitable for selective laser sintering (SLS). By optimizing the production parameters, it is found that poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) has promising applicability for SLS technique.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yit Thai Ong, Ting -Min Chen, Trong-Ming Don
Summary: Polymer blending can improve the compatibility of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P34HB) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by reducing their molecular weights. Simulation and experimental results demonstrated that decreasing molecular weight can increase the miscibility of the polymers. Additionally, PLA showed a better shielding effect on P34HB in blends prepared by melt-blending.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Aneta Pospisilova, Veronika Melcova, Silvestr Figalla, Premysl Mencik, Radek Prikryl
Summary: The thermal stability of PHB obtained by different isolation methods varies, with PHB recovered by digestion with alkaline reagents showing poor thermal stability. However, thermal stability can be significantly increased by washing with acid solution or adding carboxylic acid or anhydride before heating.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Roderik Plavec, Vojtech Horvath, Slavka Hlavacikova, Leona Omanikova, Martina Repiska, Elena Medlenova, Jozef Feranc, Jan Kruzelak, Radek Prikryl, Silvestr Figalla, Sona Kontarova, Andrej Baco, Lucia Danisova, Zuzana Vanovcanova, Pavol Alexy
Summary: This study focused on the material recycling of a biodegradable blend based on PLA and PHB. The effects of blending and multiple processing on the thermomechanical stability, molecular characteristics, and thermophysical and mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that the material degraded during blending and multiple processing, but there was no significant change in its thermophysical properties or strength characteristics. Therefore, the biodegradable polymer blend based on PLA and PHB is a suitable candidate for material recycling in industrial processing conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Aneta Pospisilova, Juraj Vodicka, Monika Trudicova, Zuzana Juglova, Jiri Smilek, Premysl Mencik, Jiri Masilko, Eva Slaninova, Veronika Melcova, Michal Kalina, Stanislav Obruca, Petr Sedlacek
Summary: Films made from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) copolymers produced by Aneurinibacillus sp. H1 have a uniform thickness and are significantly more crystalline compared to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) homopolymer films. Structural differences have a major impact on properties, with increasing 4-hydroxybutyrate content leading to significantly increased ductility and release rate of the model hydrophilic active ingredient.
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Fogasova, Silvestr Figalla, Lucia Danisova, Elena Medlenova, Slavka Hlavacikova, Zuzana Vanovcanova, Leona Omanikova, Andrej Baco, Vojtech Horvath, Maria Mikolajova, Jozef Feranc, Jan Bockaj, Roderik Plavec, Pavol Alexy, Martina Repiska, Radek Prikryl, Sona Kontarova, Anna Barekova, Martina Slavikova, Marek Koutny, Ahmad Fayyazbakhsh, Marketa Kadleckova
Summary: In order to make bioplastics more widely applicable, ready-to-use plastic material formulations with tailored properties should be available, ideally being home-compostable. This article presents materials based on PLA and PHB blends, which are intended for various applications and are fully biodegradable.
Article
Polymer Science
Sona Kontarova, Radek Prikryl, Petr Skarpa, Tomas Kriska, Jiri Antosovsky, Zuzana Greguskova, Silvestr Figalla, Vojtech Jasek, Marek Sedlmajer, Premysl Mencik, Maria Mikolajova
Summary: This study develops a slow-release fertilizer with a fully biodegradable poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) coating that gradually releases nitrogen without polluting the soil. Experimental results show that the coated fertilizer promotes the growth of maize plants and exhibits excellent resistance in both water and soil environments.
Article
Polymer Science
Vojtech Jasek, Jan Fucik, Lucia Ivanova, Dominik Vesely, Silvestr Figalla, Ludmila Mravcova, Petr Sedlacek, Jozef Krajcovic, Radek Prikryl
Summary: This study investigated the kinetics of the depolymerization of polyesters poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) using methanol and ethanol. The results showed that methanol had a faster reaction rate with PLA, while ethanol had a slower reaction rate with PHB. The alkyl esters were modified into polymerizable molecules through methacrylation, and it was found that lactates had a faster methacrylation rate than 3-hydroxybutyrates.
Article
Polymer Science
Stepan Krobot, Veronika Melcova, Premysl Mencik, Sona Kontarova, Michala Rampichova, Vera Hedvicakova, Ema Mojzisova, Andrej Baco, Radek Prikryl
Summary: In this study, composite blends based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) were prepared and characterized for bone medical applications and tissue engineering. PHB was blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL) and plasticized with oligomeric adipate ester (SN), with the addition of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) particles as a bioactive filler. The mechanical properties, surface properties, and cytotoxicity of the blends were evaluated, and it was found that PHB/PCL blends showed good performance in 3D printing and were non-cytotoxic.
Article
Polymer Science
Vojtech Jasek, Jan Fucik, Veronika Melcova, Silvestr Figalla, Ludmila Mravcova, Stepan Krobot, Radek Prikryl
Summary: This study focuses on the production of oil-based polymerizable precursors using a one-batch process with a viscosity modifier. The required methacrylic acid is obtained as a secondary product from the methacrylation of methyl lactate. The synthesized mixture exhibits enhanced material properties compared to the methacrylated vegetable oil.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Premysl Mencik, Radek Prikryl, Stepan Krobot, Veronika Melcova, Sona Kontarova, Roderik Plavec, Jan Bockaj, Vojtech Horvath, Pavol Alexy
Summary: This study characterizes poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-based composites for 3D printing as bio-sourced and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics. The PHB matrix is modified with polylactide (PLA) and plasticized with tributyl citrate, and kaolin particles are used as a filler. A matrix of samples is created using the Design of Experiment (DoE) method to evaluate the effects of individual components on the material properties. The results show a 25% reduction in warping and an 8.9% increase in heat deflection temperature (HDT) compared to theoretical expectations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)