Article
Polymer Science
Helena Oliver-Ortega, Victor Vandemoortele, Alba Bala, Fernando Julian, Jose Alberto Mendez, Francesc Xavier Espinach
Summary: This study focused on developing composite materials based on PLA reinforced with bentonite nanoparticles to produce films with improved barrier properties against water vapor transportation. The dispersion of nanoparticles reduced water vapor diffusion by over 22% and met migration standards for food packaging. However, the presence of nanoclays decreased the biodegradable capacity of the materials.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hao Jia, Min Zhang, Yunxuan Weng, Chengtao Li
Summary: Cocultivation of Pseudomonas mendocina with Actinomucor elegans significantly improved the biodegradation of PLA/PBAT films by producing an efficient enzyme system. The protease and lipase activity of the coculture exceeded that of the monoculture, leading to a higher degradation rate of PLA/PBAT films.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bishwabhusana Palai, Smita Mohanty, Sanjay Kumar Nayak
Summary: The biodegradation of various blown films made from Poly (lactic) acid (PLA) was studied in soil, revealing that films containing thermoplasticized starch (TPS) showed the highest rate of biodegradation.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Yueting Wu, Xing Gao, Jie Wu, Tongxi Zhou, Tat Thang Nguyen, Yutong Wang
Summary: Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polyester polymer produced from renewable resources. This paper reviews the latest research on PLA and its composites, including their characteristics, production, degradation process, and modification methods. The inherent advantages of PLA composites, their relationship with other biodegradable materials, and their application prospects in the sports field are discussed. Despite not being mass produced, PLA composites mixed with natural biomass materials are expected to be sustainable materials used in various industries due to their simplicity, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and low cost.
Article
Polymer Science
Pavel Brdlik, Jan Novak, Martin Boruvka, Lubos Behalek, Petr Lenfeld
Summary: The influence of different plasticizers on the biodegradation of extruded PLA films was evaluated, and the effect of accelerated ageing on film properties and biodegradation was investigated. The results showed that the degree of crystallinity was a major factor affecting the biodegradation rate, with lower molecular weight plasticizers enhancing crystallinity and higher molecular weight plasticizers leading to minimal structural changes of PLA. Migration of plasticizers, physical ageing, and chain scission of films due to ageing also significantly influenced the biodegradation rate.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shenghui Su, Qiangqiang Tang, Dongbin Qu
Summary: A composite coating consisting of CaHPO4 conversion coating and polylactic acid (PLA) was constructed on pure zinc. The presence of the coating reduced the pH value and enhanced corrosion resistance, while also improving the cytocompatibility of pure zinc.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yujun Wang, Ting Hu, Wanting Zhang, Jinwei Lin, Zhanyong Wang, Shuxia Lyu, Haibin Tong
Summary: A mesophilic bacterial strain, Bacillus safensis PLA1006, was isolated from landfill soil and tested for growth on polylactic acid (PLA) emulsion medium. The strain produced protease and lipase, and caused whitening and etching on PLA films. It also increased the hydrophilicity of PLA films surface. The hydrolysis products of PLA by the strain contained lactic acid monomers and oligomers.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Libera Vitiello, Martina Salzano de Luna, Veronica Ambrogi, Giovanni Filippone
Summary: The identification of the percolation threshold in short fiber composites is crucial for assessing material properties and biodegradation speed. In this study, an original rheological approach was used to estimate the percolation threshold of hemp and kenaf-based composites, which showed good agreement with conventional dielectric spectroscopy analyses.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Pia Borelbach, Rodion Kopitzky, Jorg Dahringer, Patrick Gutmann
Summary: This study investigated the degradation behavior of fibers made from polylactic acid (PLA) and a polyhydroxy alkanoate (PHA) blend with PLA, as well as a bicomponent fiber (BICO) made from polybutylene succinate (PBS) and PLA. The fibers were tested under different environmental conditions, including soil and industrial composting. The results showed that PLA and BICO fibers did not degrade in soil, while the PHA fibers showed cracks, decreased molecular weight, and changes in the IR spectrum in SEM analysis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Richert, Grazyna B. Dabrowska
Summary: The research investigates the biodegradation susceptibility of polylactide, poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and mixtures in different environments, highlighting the significant impact of compost and activated sludge extracts as well as specific enzyme solutions on the degradation of materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Serena Coiai, Maria Laura Di Lorenzo, Patrizia Cinelli, Maria Cristina Righetti, Elisa Passaglia
Summary: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a widely produced biobased, biodegradable and biocompatible polyester. Although it shares similarities with petroleum-based polymers, its high brittleness and low toughness limit its utilization, prompting the blending with other biobased and biodegradable polymers. By incorporating appropriate additives and solid nanoparticles, the toughness and ductility of PLA can be improved, enhancing its mechanical performance, thermal stability and gas/vapor barrier properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Patricia Wolf, Martin Reimer, Maximilian Maier, Cordt Zollfrank
Summary: The biodegradation of polymers can be determined by measuring the CO2 evolution from the biodegradation medium. In this study, a reliable method using a respirometric system was developed to investigate the biodegradation of cellulose, polylactic acid (PLA), and lupin protein isolate (LPI). Results showed that LPI-based films had the highest biodegradation rate, followed by regenerated cellulose fibers. PLA samples with powder morphology were the only ones that underwent biological degradation, but the addition of microfibrillated cellulose greatly increased the biodegradation rate of PLA films. Scanning electron microscopy and gel permeation chromatography analysis were conducted to examine the samples before and after biodegradation.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mina Karimi-Avargani, Faranak Bazooyar, Davoud Biria, Akram Zamani, Mikael Skrifvars
Summary: The study demonstrates the significant degradation effect of cellulolytic enzymes on PLA and PLA-jute composite materials. Various experimental results showed thickness reduction, molecular weight decline, and functional groups decrease. This breakthrough could lead to the development of effective biodegradation processes for PLA products at the end of their life cycle.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hongjun Jin, Cheng Ma, Wenkai Wang, Yiteng Cai, Jinwan Qi, Tongyue Wu, Peilong Liao, Hongpeng Li, Qing Zeng, Mengqi Xie, Jianbin Huang, Yun Yan
Summary: By utilizing water-locking polyelectrolyte and surfactant, we have successfully fabricated supramolecular plastics with excellent dry-flexibility and mechanical strength. These plastics contain water in a dry environment, allowing them to remain flexible while also exhibiting mechanical strength comparable to commercial plastics.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiang Yun Debbie Soo, Suxi Wang, Chee Chuan Jayven Yeo, Jiuwei Li, Xi Ping Ni, Lu Jiang, Kun Xue, Zibiao Li, Xunchang Fei, Qiang Zhu, Xian Jun Loh
Summary: The use of biodegradable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) in mask production can reduce environmental impact, with faster degradation rate observed under basic conditions. The study suggests that there is room for improvement in the biodegradation process of PLA masks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Luiz Paulo O. Sousa, Katia L. Fukushima, Vanessa P. Scagion, Murilo H. M. Facure, Daniel S. Correa, Juliano E. Oliveira, Danton D. Ferreira
Summary: Electronic tongues are sensors inspired by biological recognition systems, used to determine flavors or substances in samples. The sensor arrays are generally non-specific, requiring data processing techniques for specific information. Principal curves can be a promising technique for analyzing electronic tongues data.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Laura Fonseca Ferreira, Ana Carolina Salgado de Oliveira, Danielly de Oliveira Begali, Alfredo Rodrigues de Sena Neto, Maria Alice Martins, Juliano Elvis de Oliveira, Soraia Vilela Borges, Maria Irene Yoshida, Gustavo Henrique Denzin Tonoli, Marali Vilela Dias
Summary: The study on blends of cassava starch and soy protein isolate revealed that the addition of protein resulted in increased crosslinking between polymer chains, leading to increased crystallinity, stiffness, and decreased transparency. The S40P60 blend showed low water vapor and oil permeability, making it suitable for packaging high-fat content foods.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Marina S. Azeredo, Mario A. B. S. Nunes, Lucas R. F. Figueiredo, Juliano E. Oliveira, Gustavo D. Tonoli, Silvio de Barros, Eliton S. Medeiros
Summary: The biodegradable, renewable, and environmentally friendly glycerol-based wood adhesives were synthesized through polycondensation reaction involving dicarboxylic acids and glycerol. The thermal properties of the synthesized polymers were evaluated after cross-linking, showing that the presence of citric acid in the polymer improves adhesion and reduces adhesive flexibility. This research opens up new possibilities for utilizing glycerol as a by-product of biodiesel production to produce tailor-made adhesives.
JOURNAL OF ADHESION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Kelvi Wilson Evaristo Miranda, Joana Dias Bresolin, Caio Vinicius Lima Natarelli, Selene Daiha Benevides, Maria do Socorro Rocha Bastos, Luiz Henrique Capparelli Mattoso, Juliano Elvis de Oliveira
Summary: The study demonstrates the use of solution blow spun mats in a Nano-sachet system to delay fruit ripening, with the Nano-sachet system effectively reducing exogenous ethylene production and maintaining fruit green color to extend shelf life.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Juliana Farinassi Mendes, Lais Bruno Norcino, Heloisa Helena Martins, Anny Manrich, Caio Gomide Otoni, Elisangela Elena Nunes Carvalho, Roberta Hilsdorf Piccolli, Juliano Elvis Oliveira, Ana Carla Marques Pinheiro, Luiz Henrique Capparelli Mattoso
Summary: This study reports on the production of novel quaternary nanocomposite films based on thermoplastic starch derived from cassava, cocoa butter, and lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsions reinforced with brewery spent grain fibers, by continuous casting. The addition of components caused changes in film properties, improving extensibility and moisture barrier while slightly decreasing thermal stability. The biodegradability and acceptability in chocolate packaging were confirmed, showcasing potential in food packaging applications.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Mario B. S. Nunes, Ana Flavia F. Farias, Eliton S. Medeiros, Juliano E. Oliveira, Ieda M. G. Santos, Laura H. Carvalho, Amelia S. F. Santos
Summary: Organic clay and clay were added in a recycled wood plastic composite (WPC) with HDPE and coir fiber to investigate their effects on the properties. The results showed that despite the intercalated structure of the WPC-clay composition, there was no significant increase in tensile strength and elongation at break.
PROGRESS IN RUBBER PLASTICS AND RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Natalia Fernanda Inocencio Silva, Jose Elson Soares Filho, Tiago Galdino Cabral Santos, Jessica da Silva Chagas, Suelen Alves Silva Lucena de Medeiros, Eduardo Braga Costa Santos, Renate Maria Ramos Wellen, Lucineide Balbino da Silva, Laura Carvalho, Mario Andre Brito Seixas Nunes, Amelia Severino Ferreira E Santos
Summary: This study investigates the influence of BM flour extractives and MAPE addition on the properties of PHBad/BM biocomposites. It is found that MAPE acts as an effective additive for BM flour, increasing the tensile strength of the biocomposites to levels comparable to or slightly higher than the PHBad-MAPE matrix. Additionally, particle treatments result in biocomposites with lower tensile strength.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Luiz Emilio Pessoa Timeni Moraes Filho, Michelle Felix de Andrade, Leonardo Ferreira de Freitas, Maria de Los Angeles Perez Fernandez Palha, Gloria Maria Vinhas
Summary: Packaging serves as a physical barrier to protect products and can also be made active by incorporating antimicrobial agents, such as essential oils, to extend shelf life. This study developed biodegradable active packaging using poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and essential oils as antimicrobial agents. Results showed that both clove and cinnamon essential oils exhibited antimicrobial activity without affecting the degradation temperature of the films. The migration of the oils from the packaging to the medium confirmed their potential for preserving fresh food while being safe for consumption and reducing the need for synthetic preservatives.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Michelle Felix de Andrade, Marina Gomes Silva, Ivo Diego de Lima Silva, Viviane Fonseca Caetano, Luiz Emilio Pessoa Timeni de Moraes Filho, Gloria Maria Vinhas, Yeda Medeiros Bastos de Almeida
Summary: In this study, active antioxidant films were produced by incorporating pepper-rosmarin essential oil (PRO) into poly (butylene adipate co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) films. The films exhibited improved antioxidant activity and permeability with the addition of PRO, indicating their potential in protecting food quality.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ivo Diego de Lima Silva, Jose Augusto de Almeida Nascimento, Luiz Emilio Pessoa Timeni de Moraes Filho, Viviane Fonseca Caetano, Michelle Felix de Andrade, Yeda Medeiros Bastos de Almeida, Fernando Hallwass, Andrea Monteiro Santana Silva Brito, Gloria Maria Vinhas
Summary: This study developed poly(vinyl alcohol) films incorporated with cashew tree extract, which showed potential antimicrobial and antioxidant applications. The films exhibited promising values for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, making them suitable for active packaging.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Gelsoneide da Silva Gois, Amelia Severino Ferreira Santos, Eduardo Padron Hernandez, Eliton Souto Medeiros, Yeda Medeiros Bastos Almeida
Summary: This study aimed to observe the degradation behavior of neat PLA and PLA composites with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in garden soil, and investigate the effect of adding surfactants on the degradation rate. The results showed that the addition of surfactants can enhance the biodegradation rate of the composites, with the molecular weight of the surfactant playing a decisive role. Among surfactants belonging to the same chemical family, the PLA/CNC composite with higher HLB and smaller spherulite size exhibited the highest biodegradation rate.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Sandro M. Silva, Eliton S. Medeiros, Luciana S. Galvao, Amelia S. F. Santos
Summary: Although the effects of adhesive residues from post-consumer PET bottles on recycled products are known, the quantitative effects of these adhesives are not well-established. The adhesive content in post-consumer PET bottles ranges from 200 to 2800 ppm, depending on the drink filled. The presence of adhesive, primarily composed of EVA, significantly reduces PET mechanical properties, with 200 ppm reducing tensile strength by 15% and about 1500 ppm reducing mechanical properties by 50%. It is crucial to limit adhesive content in PET bottle production to no more than 200 ppm for high quality recycled PET.
PROGRESS IN RUBBER PLASTICS AND RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Jessica S. Chagas, Julia N. S. Almeida, Anderson C. L. Pereira, Natalia F. I. Silva, Rafael A. Raimundo, Eliton S. Medeiros, Bruno A. S. G. Lima, Luciana S. Galvao, Amelia S. F. Santos, F. I. Silva
Summary: Cellulose-based materials have been extensively studied for their abundance, renewability, and low abrasiveness and density. This study investigates the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the yield and properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The results show that ultrasonic power and hydrolysis time can both affect the production and quality of CNCs. The study suggests that there is an optimal hydrolysis time for each set of variables to achieve high CNC yield without compromising the structural and morphological properties.
Article
Forestry
Gustavo Henrique Denzin Tonoli, Kevin Holtman, Luiz Eduardo Silva, Delilah Wood, Lennard Torres, Tina Williams, Juliano Elvis Oliveira, Alessandra Souza Fonseca, Artur Klamczynski, Gregory Glenn, William Orts
Summary: The study found that pre-treatment of cellulose with microbial-rich digestate can partially remove amorphous components, increase crystallinity, and accelerate hydrolysis of cellulose. Prolonged incubation leads to substantial deconstruction of cellulose fiber structure and decreased thermal degradation temperature.
