Study on the biodegradability of modified starch/polylactic acid (PLA) composite materials

Yu, Meihong; Zheng, Yongjie; Tian, Jianhua

doi:10.1039/d0ra00274g

Cited by 65 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…Acetic acid achieved a decrease (≤2 • C) in crystallization temperatures and a greater degree of disorder with lower enthalpies, while lactic acid at increased temperatures (2 to 4 • C) also caused a greater disorder of the structure. This behavior resembles that obtained by Yu et al [31]. The above allows us to conclude that TPS acts as a nucleating agent in PLA and that organic acids increase the crystallization speed.…”

Section: Thermal Analysis-tga Dscsupporting

confidence: 88%

Study of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Starch/Poly(Lactic Acid) Blends Modified with Acid Agents

Caicedo¹,

Pulgarín²

2021

Processes

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In this work, we present a functionalization strategy of starch-poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends with organic acids. Lactic and acetic acid were used as acid agents, and oleic acid was also included in the previous acids, with the aim of finding a synergy that thermodynamically benefits the products and provides hydrophobicity. The ratio of starch and sorbitol was 70:30, and the added acid agent replaced 6% of the plasticizer; meanwhile, the thermoplastic starch (TPS)–PLA blend proportion was 70:30 considering the modified TPS. The mixtures were obtained in a torque rheometer at 50 rpm for 10 min at 150 °C. The organic acids facilitated interactions between TPS and PLA. Although TPS and PLA are not miscible, PLA uniformly dispersed into the starch matrix. Furthermore, a reduction in the surface polarity was achieved, which enabled the wettability to reach values close to those of neat PLA (TPS–L-PLA increased by 55% compared to TPS–PLA). The rheological results showed a modulus similar to that of TPS. In general, there were transitions from elastic to viscous, in which the viscous phase predominated. The first and second-order thermal transitions did not show significant changes. The structural affinity of lactic acid with biopolymers (TPS–L-PLA) allowed a greater interaction and was corroborated with the mechanical properties, resulting in a greater resistance with respect to pure TPS and blended TPS–PLA (28.9%). These results are particularly relevant for the packaging industry.

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Section: Thermal Analysis-tga Dscsupporting

confidence: 88%

Study of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Starch/Poly(Lactic Acid) Blends Modified with Acid Agents

Caicedo¹,

Pulgarín²

2021

Processes

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“…Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an excellent plasticizer for PLA and can significantly enhance its elongation at break [60]. Moreover, PLA is very often mixed with starch in the presence of glycerin due to economic reasons and to improve the mechanical properties of PLA (e.g., increase toughness) by changing the concentration of starch in the composite [61]. Another study reported the improvement of tensile strength and elongation after blending PLA with starch particles.…”

Section: Miscibility With Other Polymersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards Controlled Degradation of Poly(lactic) Acid in Technical Applications

et al. 2021

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Environmental issues urge for the substitution of petrochemical-based raw materials with more environmentally friendly sources. The biggest advantages of PLA over non-biodegradable plastics are that it can be produced from natural sources (e.g., corn or sugarcane), and at the end of its lifetime it can be returned to the soil by being composted with microorganisms. PLA can easily substitute petroleum-based plastics in a wide range of applications in many commodity products, such as disposable tableware, packaging, films, and agricultural twines, partially contributing to limiting plastic waste accumulation. Unfortunately, the complete replacement of fossil fuel-based plastics such as polyethylene (PE) or poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by PLA is hindered by its higher cost, and, more importantly, slower degradation as compared to other degradable polymers. Thus, to make PLA more commercially attractive, ways to accelerate its degradation are actively sought. Many good reviews deal with PLA production, applications, and degradation but only in the medical or pharmaceutical field. In this respect, the present review will focus on controlled PLA degradation and biodegradation in technical applications. The work will include the main degradation mechanisms of PLA, such as its biodegradation in water, soil, and compost, in addition to thermal- and photo-degradation. The topic is of particular interest to academia and industry, mainly because the wider application of PLA is mostly dependent on discovering effective ways of accelerating its biodegradation rate at the end of its service life without compromising its properties.

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“…The disparity found in standardization is also found in studies on the effects of various radiation types, with the majority of available research information focusing on UV-A and UV-B effects. While studying the biodegradability of PLA composites, Yu et al found that short-term UV exposure increases the tensile properties of the investigated materials, while long term exposure has an increasingly detrimental effect [34].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aging of 3D Printed Polymers under Sterilizing UV-C Radiation

et al. 2021

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In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, shortwave ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths between 200 nm and 280 nm (UV-C) is seeing increased usage in the sterilization of medical equipment, appliances, and spaces due to its antimicrobial effect. During the first weeks of the pandemic, healthcare facilities experienced a shortage of personal protective equipment. This led to hospital technicians, private companies, and even members of the public to resort to 3D printing in order to produce fast, on-demand resources. This paper analyzes the effect of accelerated aging through prolonged exposure to UV-C on mechanical properties of parts 3D printed by material extrusion (MEX) from common polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate-glycol (PETG). Samples 3D printed from these materials went through a 24-h UV-C exposure aging cycle and were then tested versus a control group for changes in mechanical properties. Both tensile and compressive strength were determined, as well as changes in material creep properties. Prolonged UV-C exposure reduced the mechanical properties of PLA by 6–8% and of PETG by over 30%. These findings are of practical importance for those interested in producing functional MEX parts intended to be sterilized using UV-C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed in order to assess any changes in material structure.

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Study on the biodegradability of modified starch/polylactic acid (PLA) composite materials

Abstract: In this work, polylactic acid/thermoplastic acetylated starch (PLA/TPAS) composites were prepared using PLA as a matrix material and TPAS as a modifier.

Cited by 65 publications

References 35 publications

Study of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Starch/Poly(Lactic Acid) Blends Modified with Acid Agents

Study of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Starch/Poly(Lactic Acid) Blends Modified with Acid Agents

Towards Controlled Degradation of Poly(lactic) Acid in Technical Applications

Aging of 3D Printed Polymers under Sterilizing UV-C Radiation

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