Environmentally Degradable Bio-Based Polymeric Blends and Composites

Blends and composites based on environmentally degradable‐ecocompatible synthetic and natural polymeric materials and fillers of natural origin have been prepared and processed under different conditions. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was used as the synthetic polymer of choice by virtue of its capabili...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Macromolecular bioscience 2004-03, Vol.4 (3), p.218-231
Main Authors: Chiellini, Emo, Cinelli, Patrizia, Chiellini, Federica, Imam, Syed H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
biodegradable
Biodegradation, Environmental
Biopolymers - chemistry
Biopolymers - metabolism
Composites
Environment
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Malus
natural fibres
poly(vinyl alcohol)
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Polyvinyl Alcohol - chemistry
Technology of polymers
Triticum aestivum
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Summary:Blends and composites based on environmentally degradable‐ecocompatible synthetic and natural polymeric materials and fillers of natural origin have been prepared and processed under different conditions. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was used as the synthetic polymer of choice by virtue of its capability to be processed from water solution or suspension as well as from the melt by blow extrusion and injection molding. Starch and gelatin were taken as the polymeric materials from renewable resources. The fillers were all of natural origin, as waste from food and agro‐industry consisted of sugar cane bagasse (SCB), wheat flour (WF), orange peels (OR), apple peels (AP), corn fibres (CF), saw dust (SD) and wheat straw (WS). All the natural or hybrid formulations were intended to be utilized for the production of: a) Environmentally degradable mulching films (hydro‐biomulching) displaying, in some cases, self‐fertilizing characteristics by in situ spraying of water solutions or suspensions; b) Laminates and containers to be used in agriculture and food packaging by compression and injection molding followed by baking. Some typical prototype items have been prepared and characterized in relation to their morphological and mechanical properties and tested with different methodology for their propensity to environmental degradation and biodegradation as ultimate stage of their service life. A relationship between chemical composition and mechanical properties and propensity to biodegradation has been discussed in a few representative cases. Soil appearance at the end of the hydro‐biomulching field trial.
ISSN:1616-5187
1616-5195
DOI:10.1002/mabi.200300126