Potential of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers family as substitutes of petroleum based polymers for packaging applications and solutions brought by their composites to form barrier materials

Abstract

Today, there is an increasing concern about protection of ecological systems. Petro-based synthetic polymers are not biodegradable and cause environmental pollution. These polymers that are stuck in nature, affect wildlife adversely. Also, in future petrochemical materials will drain away and demand for ecofriendly plastics which can substitute synthetic plastics will increase. Biopolymers are products which can be degraded by enzymatic activities of various microorganisms, and the degradation products are nontoxic. They are attractive alternatives to non-degradable materials in short-term applications such as packaging. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a member of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family which is biodegradable and produced by microorganism. It has good gas barrier properties that make it convenient to use in different applications. The present paper gives an overview on PHAs and their composites, their main properties, with a specific focus on potential applications of PHBV in packaging.

PHBV/TPU/cellulose compounds for compostable injection molded parts with improved thermal and mechanical performance

“…In particular, poly(hydroxybutyrate‐ co ‐valerate) (PHBV), a thermoplastic copolyester from the PHAs family has gained a lot of attention because of its commercial availability, its physicochemical properties close to that of some of the commodities such as PP, because it can be processed using conventional thermoplastic equipment and have equilibrate mechanical properties in terms of stiffness and tensile strength. However, PHBV presents two big limitations that restrict its use in these types of applications: high cost and low toughness (low impact resistance) …”

Recent Progress in Polyhydroxyalkanoates‐Based Copolymers for Biomedical Applications

“…Due to its inherent physical aging, secondary crystallization leads to embrittlement, slow crystallization, low nucleation density, and thermal instability, which limits it in many practical applications. Despite this, the advantages of PHA still make people to use it …”

Oxygen Barrier and Thermomechanical Properties of Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Biocomposites Reinforced with Calcium Carbonate Particles

“…Many biodegradable materials have been developed as alternatives to conventional nonde-gradable polymers. 3 The Poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) are biodegradable polymers produced through the fermentation of sugars, lipids, alkanes, alkenes and alkanoic acids using numerous Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. They can be used in various applications such as biomedical industry, packaging, coatings, films, electronics, sensors, foams, and energy applications because of their remarkable physical properties and biodegradability.…”

“…They can be used in various applications such as biomedical industry, packaging, coatings, films, electronics, sensors, foams, and energy applications because of their remarkable physical properties and biodegradability. 1,3 Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate, PHB) which is the well-studied polymer is the member of PHAs family. Its application is limited by the poor processability and high brittleness of polymer.…”

“…Concerning these shortcomings, fillers can be used in the preparation of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) composites for reducing its production price and enhancing properties. 2,3 Composites made from biopolymers and inorganic nanoparticles will find significant potential in many applications due to their enhanced properties and processing characteristics. Braga et al studied the effect of titanium dioxide particles on properties of PHBV.…”