Processability and Degradability of PHA-Based Composites in Terrestrial Environments

Abstract

In this work, composites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-HV) and waste wood sawdust (SD) fibers, a byproduct of the wood industry, were produced by melt extrusion and characterized in terms of processability, thermal stability, morphology, and mechanical properties in order to discriminate the formulations suitable for injection molding. Given their application in agriculture and/or plant nursery, the biodegradability of the optimized composites was investigated under controlled composting conditions in accordance with standard methods (ASTM D5338-98 and ISO 20200-2004). The optimized PHB-HV/SD composites were used for the production of pots by injection molding and their performance was qualitatively monitored in a plant nursery and underground for 14 months. This study presents a sustainable option of valuation of wood factory residues and lowering the production cost of PHB-HV-based compounds without affecting their mechanical properties, improving their impact resistance and biodegradability rates in terrestrial environments.

Bio-Based Packaging: Materials, Modifications, Industrial Applications and Sustainability

“…Natural fibers show a typical waviness that can slightly reduce the reinforcing action with respect to the well-known rigid and straight versions [ 155 ]. Composites promote biodegradability as the presence of fillers increases the polymer surface available for microbial attack, especially when the fillers are based on easily degradable natural components [ 156 ], such as cellulose or by-products with a high hemicellulose content [ 157 ]. The swelling and degradation of the fillers strongly promote the disintegration of composite material [ 158 ].…”

Development of Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Monolayers Containing Eugenol and Their Application in Multilayer Antimicrobial Food Packaging

“…For this reason, PHB is currently being replaced by PHBV due to the better processability and physical properties of the copolyester, such as higher flexibility improved toughness, and lower melting point and level of crystallinity (22,23). PHAs can be processed by different melt-processing techniques such as injection molding (24), extrusion (25), and compression molding (26). Electrospinning is one of the latest technologies to process PHAs in the form of monolayer and multilayer films by the application of high electric voltages and annealing treatments, having the main advantage to operate at room temperatures (27,28).…”

Thermal, Mechanical and Micromechanical Analysis of PLA/PBAT/POE-g-GMA Extruded Ternary Blends

“…Several and important qualities for everyday life, associated to low processing costs, make plastics fundamental in different sectors. About 150 million tons of plastics are used everywhere and its consumption is expected to grow up in the next years (La Mantia et al, 2017;Cinelli et al, 2019). Nevertheless, the society is acquiring a new awareness to adapt the third millennium consumerist and technological needs to the respect of the environment and of the human health.…”