Biopolymer Composites as an Alternative to Materials for the Production of Ecological Packaging

Abstract

The problem of plastic waste has long been a concern for governments and society. However, huge amounts of plastic are still being released into the oceans and the environment. One possible solution is to replace plastics with materials that are more both biodecomposable and biodegradable. The most environmentally friendly materials are made of natural ingredients found in nature, although not all of them can be called biodegradable. In this study, we set out to create a new composite with functional properties that could replace commonly used disposable packaging. To ensure the competitiveness of our solution, we used inexpensive and readily available components, such as gelatin G HOOCCH2CH2C(R1)NHCOCH2NH2 (where R1 is a continuation of the peptide chain), polyvinyl alcohol PVA CH2CH(OH), and glycerin G HOCH2CH(CH2OH)O. The ingredients used in the research come from natural sources; however, they are chemically processed. Some of them, such as polyvinyl alcohol, for example, are biodegradable. With the appropriate selection of the components, in the casting process, the intermixed components made it possible to produce materials that were characterized by good physicochemical properties, including thermal stability, optical transmission of UV-Vis light, cross-linking density, and mechanical strength. The most favorable parameters of thermal stability were observed in casein-containing gelatine forms. The best cross-linking density was obtained in the case of gelatin–glycerine systems. Composite containing caseins distinguished by the highest resistance to flammability, increased thermal stability, flexibility, and greater hardness compared to other composites.

Green composites from natural fibers and biopolymers: A review on processing, properties, and applications

“…241 Alongside the fiber, most of the biopolymers are either hydrophilic or have low water resistance, high water content, water-solubility, vapor permeability, poor thermal stability, brittleness, and poor mechanical properties. 28,124,242–244 Moisture content leads to vapor and void creation during processing 1,95 and weak interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix resulting in uneven load transfer and poor mechanical performance. 95,97,245 Further damage as illustrated in Figure 16 can occur at service life with the presence and absence of humidity alternatively since cyclic absorption and desorption causes the fiber and matrix repeated swelling and contracting, thereby invariably affecting bonding, cohesion, dimensional stability, crack formation, and other mechanical properties.…”

Tropical Fruit Waste Management: Developing Pectin-based Biopolymer from Durian Rind (Durio zibethinus)

“…Meanwhile, plastic pollution has become a global environmental concern due to its widespread distribution and adverse impacts [22]. The plastic pollution issue also has gained more awareness recently [23]. This circumstance may be related to the high demand and extensive usage of plastic materials while considering its essential aspects of sustainability and environmental implications.…”

Biyomalzeme Uygulamaları İçin Sürdürülebilir Kaynaklardan Biyopolimerlerin İzolasyonu ve Saflaştırma Adımları

“…In recent years, organic compounds found in only natural sources were known as biopolymers, which are the most common macromolecules made up of many repeating units (Prochon & Dzeikala, 2021). They include carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and etc.…”