A review of biodegradable thermoplastic starches, their blends and composites: recent developments and opportunities for single-use plastic packaging alternatives

Surendren, Aarsha; Mohanty, Amar K.; Liu, Qiang; Misra, Manjusri

doi:10.1039/d2gc02169b

Cited by 89 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 227 publications

(285 reference statements)

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“…The first peak at ~61 °C is related the glass transition (Tg) of PLA [ 43 ], the second endothermic peak at ~119 °C corresponds to the melting of PBAT (Tm 1 ), which is found between 115 and 125 °C [ 44 ], and the last peak ~160 °C (Tm 2 ) is related to the melting of PLA [ 39 ]. With respect to the TPS, Surendren and coworkers indicated that the endothermic peaks between 165 °C and 180 °C could belong to the melting temperature (Tm) of thermoplastic starch (TPS) [ 45 ], while other research indicates that TPS has a wide melting range between 160 and 380 °C, which depends on the botanical origin and proportion of the starch the amylose/amylopectin ratio of the starch structure, in addition to the plasticizer used and the plasticizing conditions [ 46 ]. The behavior of Tg, Tm 1 , Tm 2 and Tc is similar to that reported by Bianchi and Morreale (2023).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Processing, Characterization and Disintegration Properties of Biopolymers Based on Mater-Bi® and Ellagic Acid/Chitosan Coating

et al. 2023

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Among the most promising synthetic biopolymers to replace conventional plastics in numerous applications is MaterBi® (MB), a commercial biodegradable polymer based on modified starch and synthetic polymers. Actually, MB has important commercial applications as it shows interesting mechanical properties, thermal stability, processability and biodegradability. On the other hand, research has also focused on the incorporation of natural, efficient and low-cost active compounds into various materials with the aim of incorporating antimicrobial and/or antioxidant capacities into matrix polymers to extend the shelf life of foods. Among these is ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenolic compound abundant in some fruits, nuts and seeds, but also in agroforestry and industrial residues, which seems to be a promising biomolecule with interesting biological activities, including antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity and UV-barrier properties. The objective of this research is to develop a film based on commercial biopolymer Mater-Bi® (MB) EF51L, incorporating active coating from chitosan with a natural active compound (EA) at two concentrations (2.5 and 5 wt.%). The formulations obtained complete characterization and were carried out in order to evaluate whether the incorporation of the coating significantly affects thermal, mechanical, structural, water-vapor barrier and disintegration properties. From the results, FTIR analysis yielded identification, through characteristic peaks, that the type of MB used is constituted by three polymers, namely PLA, TPS and PBAT. With respect to the mechanical properties, the values of tensile modulus and tensile strength of the MB-CHI film were between 15 and 23% lower than the values obtained for the MB film. The addition of 2.5 wt.% EA to the CHI layer did not generate changes in the mechanical properties of the system, whereas a 5 wt.% increase in ellagic acid improved the mechanical properties of the CHI film through the addition of natural phenolic compounds at high concentrations. Finally, the disintegration process was mainly affected by the PBAT biopolymer, causing the material to not disintegrate within the times indicated by ISO 20200.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Processing, Characterization and Disintegration Properties of Biopolymers Based on Mater-Bi® and Ellagic Acid/Chitosan Coating

et al. 2023

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“…Sorbitol is known to be the main starch plasticizer used for SBP, and we confirmed this here through GC–MS analysis after derivatization (Figure S6). ,, The elemental analysis of SBP was compared to that of its components (PBAT, starch, and sorbitol) to estimate an average composition. It was found that the SBP consisted of 64% PBAT and 34% starch and sorbitol, as well as 2% inorganic components (Table ).…”

Section: Results and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Novel Strategies for Recycling Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)-Starch-Based Plastics: Selective Solubilization and Depolymerization–Repolymerization Processes

Parodi,

Arpaia,

Samorì

et al. 2023

ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng.

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Starch-based plastics (SBPs) containing poly-(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) are among the most produced bioplastics on the market and are currently managed at their end of life (EoL) through composting. In view of developing novel EoL approaches, SBPs were characterized here in terms of their main components (PBAT, starch, and plasticizer), and three strategies for their recycling were investigated: (I) the selective solubilization of PBAT with ethyl acetate; (II) a two-step depolymerization−repolymerization process that consists of the catalytic selective alcoholysis of PBAT into its oligomers, followed by their repolymerization to PBAT with no need of adding a new catalyst; and (III) the complete selective depolymerization of PBAT, followed by the recovery and purification of butanediol (1,4-BD), dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), and dimethyl adipate (DMA). Up to 99, 95, and 93% recovery of the SBP components was obtained, respectively, following these three methods. Extensive characterization of the recovered PBAT was performed through molecular weight and thermal and thermomechanical analyses, demonstrating the efficiency of the processes. The environmental sustainability of the proposed approaches was also preliminarily evaluated through the calculation of their environmental factor (E-factor).

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“…Starch undergoes rapid biodegradation by enzymatic hydrolysis to produce glucose, which is further assimilated to produce CO 2 and H 2 O in compost or soil environments . To process TPS efficiently and to blend and derive good interfacial adhesion between hydrophilic starch and hydrophobic PLA, compatibilizers are generally used. − Blending PLA and TPS helps improve the oxygen and water vapor barrier properties and the elongation at break of the resulting matrix . Furthermore, the hydrophilic feature of TPS can enhance PLA’s sensitivity to humid environments and act as an excellent initial nutrient source for the microbes when introduced into the compost environment. − …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Breaking It Down: How Thermoplastic Starch Enhances Poly(lactic acid) Biodegradation in Compost─A Comparative Analysis of Reactive Blends

Mayekar

Limsukon

Bher

et al. 2023

ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng.

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Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a sustainable, bio-based, and industrially compostable polymer with a recalcitrant abiotic degradation phase, limiting its organic recovery to well-managed industrial composting facilities. We present a methodology to fully biodegrade PLA in industrial and home composting settings. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) and PLA were reactively blended by adding a chemical modifier and peroxide radicals to obtain a PLA-g-TPS blend by twin screw extrusion and later processed into films by cast extrusion. Biodegradation of the films was investigated using a direct measurement respirometer for 180 days by tracking the CO 2 evolution in compost media at 58 and 37 °C, and the number average molecular weight (M n ) reduction was measured by size exclusion chromatography. The hydrophilic nature of TPS and its role as a nutrient source accelerated the degradation of PLA in both abiotic and biotic phases of the composting process. The kinetic curve of M n reduction showed the positive effect of TPS on accelerating PLA hydrolysis during the lag phase in both mesophilic and thermophilic conditions due to increased chain mobility. This work unlocks the capability of PLA-based films to be successfully composted in industrial and home composting without compromising their desired properties for applications in everyday life.

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A review of biodegradable thermoplastic starches, their blends and composites: recent developments and opportunities for single-use plastic packaging alternatives

Abstract: This review article effectively analyses the effect of multiple plasticizers, compatibilizers, and essential oils on plasticized starch in the preparation of thermoplastic starch-based biodegradable blends and composites.

Cited by 89 publications

References 227 publications

Processing, Characterization and Disintegration Properties of Biopolymers Based on Mater-Bi® and Ellagic Acid/Chitosan Coating

Processing, Characterization and Disintegration Properties of Biopolymers Based on Mater-Bi® and Ellagic Acid/Chitosan Coating

Novel Strategies for Recycling Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)-Starch-Based Plastics: Selective Solubilization and Depolymerization–Repolymerization Processes

Breaking It Down: How Thermoplastic Starch Enhances Poly(lactic acid) Biodegradation in Compost─A Comparative Analysis of Reactive Blends

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