Physical and Biodegradation Properties of Graphene Derivatives/Thermoplastic Starch Composites

Abstract

Development of biodegradable materials for packaging is an issue of the utmost importance. These materials are an alternative to petroleum-based polymers, which contribute to environment pollution after disposal. In this work, graphene oxide (GO) and glucose-reduced graphene oxide (rGO-g) were incorporated to thermoplastic starch (TPS) by melt extrusion. The TPS/GO and TPS/rGO-g composites had their physical properties and biodegradability compared. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the type of graphene used led to different dispersion levels of graphene sheets, and to changes in the crystalline structure of TPS. Tensile tests carried out for the compression-molded composites indicated that TPS/rGO-g composites presented better mechanical performance. The Young’s modulus (E) increased from E = (28.6 ± 2.7) MPa, for TPS, to E = (110.6 ± 9.5) MPa and to (144.2 ± 11.2) MPa for TPS with rGO-g incorporated at 1.0 and 2.0 mass% content, respectively. The acid groups from graphene derivatives promoted glycosidic bond breakage of starch molecules and improved biodegradation of the composites. GO is well-dispersed in the TPS matrix, which contributes to biodegradation. For TPS/rGO-g materials, biodegradation was influenced by rGO-g dispersion level.

Biodegradable composite from discarded hair keratin and graphene oxide with improved mechanical, thermal and barrier properties: an eco‐friendly solution to waste materials

“…The enhanced biodegradability of the composite film can be attributed to the faster biodegradability of both keratin and GO due to enzymatic activity by different microorganisms 3,22,36 . Furthermore, it was observed that the presence of GO accelerated the rate of decomposition for the fabricated composite 19,37 . The significant increase in biodegradability of the keratin‐GO composite film has promising implications for the development of sustainable and eco‐friendly materials.…”

“…3,22,36 Furthermore, it was observed that the presence of GO accelerated the rate of decomposition for the fabricated composite. 19,37 The significant increase in biodegradability of the keratin-GO composite film has promising implications for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly materials. The resulting composite material retains the desirable properties of keratin, such as biocompatibility and biodegradability, while exhibiting improved biodegradability attributed to the presence of GO.…”

Fabrication of Graphene Oxide Reinforced Biocomposite: Recycling of Postconsumed Footwear Leather

“…Three random strips of dimension 2 × 2 cm 2 were cut from pure PCF and S 3 and the results are given as mean of three samples, whereas PCF film was used as a control. The degradation rate was nearness for the increased biodegradability of fabricated composite film S 3 was a favorable hydrophilic condition by incorporating GO in PCF which is suitable for increasing enzymatic activity by different microorganisms [42].…”

Biodegradation of Polymers: Stages, Measurement, Standards and Prospects

“…TG is another valuable method for assessing biodegradation on polymers. Changes in the TG curve can indicate polymer structure modifications and additive loss [57,59,62,63,77,90]. High-resolution TGA allowed Quintana et al (2013) [77] to quantify the amount of plasticizer lost when plasticized cellulose acetate films were subjected to accelerated weathering.…”