Bioplastics: Innovation for Green Transition

Abstract

Bioplastics are one of the possible alternative solutions to the polymers of petrochemical origins. Bioplastics have several advantages over traditional plastics in terms of low carbon footprint, energy efficiency, biodegradability and versatility. Although they have numerous benefits and are revolutionizing many application fields, they also have several weaknesses, such as brittleness, high-water absorption, low crystallization ability and low thermal degradation temperature. These drawbacks can be a limiting factor that prevents their use in many applications. Nonetheless, reinforcements and plasticizers can be added to bioplastic production as a way to overcome such limitations. Bioplastics materials are not yet studied in depth, but it is with great optimism that their industrial use and market scenarios are increasing; such growth can be a positive driver for more research in this field. National and international investments in the bioplastics industry can also promote the green transition. International projects, such as EcoPlast and Animpol, aim to study and develop new polymeric materials made from alternative sources. One of their biggest problems is their waste management; there is no separation process yet to recycle the nonbiodegradable bioplastics, and they are considered contaminants when mixed with other polymers. Some materials use additives, and their impact on the microplastics they leave after breaking apart is subject to debate. For this reason, it is important to consider their life cycle analysis and assess their environmental viability. These are materials that can possibly be processed in various ways, including conventional processes used for petrochemical ones. Those include injection moulding and extrusion, as well as digital manufacturing. This and the possibility to use these materials in several applications is one of their greatest strengths. All these aspects will be discussed in this review.

Accelerated Shelf-Life and Stability Testing of Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Films

“…As expected, significant mass loss was observed, which increased with the duration of burial in the soil. After the 30-day burial test, the CSH films showed a weight loss of 56.82%, which is in agreement with the results of the study by Lucchese et al [ 2 ] and the requirements of the European standard EN13432 [ 45 ] (biodegradable plastics must lose 90% of their mass after at least six months and decompose into water, CO 2 and biomass). As only small CSH film samples were investigated, the obtained results should be considered estimates.…”

“…The degradability and durability of these materials are incompatible. For most applications, it is beneficial if the material retains certain properties over a long period of time, but it is also desirable that it can be easily disposed of and degraded after use [ 2 ]. Currently, films used for food packaging are not easily biodegradable in soil or by microorganisms.…”

Microcapsules of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) Loaded with Aliphatic Isocyanates for Adhesive Applications

“…The preceding and subsequent steps were executed exactly as reported for the open vessel. Emulsification and DCM evaporation were conducted at 35 °C and under a vacuum of approximately 300 mbar. An antifoam agent (0.5 wt %) was added to the aqueous phase to manage the foam formation that results from agitation and temperature.…”

Sulfonyldibenzoate coordination polymers as bioactive dopants for polysaccharide films with antibacterial and antibiofilm properties

“…Such antibacterial coatings or multicomponent mixtures can thus become a viable or complementary alternative to regular surface cleaning. 52–54…”