Biodegradable mulch films produced from soy-filled polymer resins

Candlen, Kerry; Haque, Akiful; Farfaras, Nicholas; Martey, Shawn; Perez, Peter L.; Ratto, Jo Ann; Pulis, Ron; Hogan, Robina; Chen, Wan‐Ting

doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2022.103331

Cited by 11 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Obtaining high stability and resistance of plastic pays off the high biodegradability performance and vice versa. Stable plastic film emits stable and resistant plastic residues, which are difficult to degrade in soils [106][107][108][109][110][111]. Fulfilling simultaneously, the agronomic requirements (stability and resistance) and environmental requirements (high degradability) require specific technologies which increase production costs.…”

Section: Abatement Measuresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plastic Emissions from Mulch Film and Abatement Measures — a Model-Based Assessment for Germany

Henseler

2023

Environ Model Assess

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Plastic mulch film in agriculture fulfils multiple purposes. In Germany, farmers apply mulch films to produce crops with specific climate soil conditions. While plastic mulch film benefits agricultural production, the emission of plastic debris and microplastic raises environmental concerns. To date, alternative technologies cannot adequately replace plastic mulch film emitting less plastic. Thus, abatement measures are required to reduce plastic emissions and maintain the application. In a model-based analysis for Germany, we find at the sector-level annual plastic emissions of 202 tons, and we identify regional emission hotspots with more than 500 grams per hectare utilised agricultural area in regions with intensive plasticulture production. Increasing the film thickness to 40 to 50 micrometres reduces plastic emissions by 20 to 40 per cent, creating abatement costs from 120 to 130 Euros per kilogram of abated plastic. Increasing prices for plasticulture products by 1 to 10 per cent can compensate for the increased material costs of thicker mulch films. Thus, increasing the film thickness can be an effective and efficient abatement measure, depending on farmers' willingness to apply thicker mulch films and consumers' willingness to pay increased prices. Our findings contribute to the interdisciplinary puzzle of plastic emissions from mulch films. They can be valuable information for agricultural and environmental discussion but require updating and complementation in future research.

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Section: Abatement Measuresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plastic Emissions from Mulch Film and Abatement Measures — a Model-Based Assessment for Germany

Henseler

2023

Environ Model Assess

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“…Her team was able to reduce the oxygen and water permeability by incorporating nanoparticle fillers, applying coatings, and/or fabricating oriented extruded films. Her contributions have enhanced our understanding of how to design biodegradable films for agricultural and food applications 10 .…”

Section: Jo Ann Rattomentioning

confidence: 99%

Inspiring engineers

et al. 2022

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“…Furthermore, Candlen et al [15] found that biodegradable mulch films produced from soybean-filled polymeric resins, including poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), have promising performance in plasticulture, with similar or better results compared to conventional plastic films. The authors have reached the conclusion that the utilization of biodegradable films represents a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional plastic films.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of mulch films from biodegradable polymer and agro-industrial waste

França,

Rosa,

Braz

et al. 2024

Polímeros

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Plasticulture improves crop quality and yield through polymeric films, but their improper disposal harms the environment due to humidity and contamination. This study aimed to develop biodegradable mulch films using soybean and peanut hulls and poly (butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The residues were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and mulch films were evaluated by water absorption, contact angle and mechanical properties. The thermal behavior of the residues indicated stability below 200ºC. The agro-waste improved hydrophobicity but increased the water absorption values of the films by up to 18.5x (PBAT/SH5 after 14 days). Micrographs obtained by scanning electron microscopy indicated an important distribution of residue particles and formation of agglomerates, leading to lower mechanical performance. The study found that agro-industrial residues in powder form can be added to the polymeric matrix to produce biodegradable mulch films through traditional processing techniques. This approach has the potential to contribute to a more sustainable production system.

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Biodegradable mulch films produced from soy-filled polymer resins

Cited by 11 publications

References 32 publications

Plastic Emissions from Mulch Film and Abatement Measures — a Model-Based Assessment for Germany

Plastic Emissions from Mulch Film and Abatement Measures — a Model-Based Assessment for Germany

Inspiring engineers

Development of mulch films from biodegradable polymer and agro-industrial waste

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