Title : Biodegradable materials: The influence of additives added into the polymeric matrices
Abstract:
The plastic problem is increasing and boosting the development of new materials to replace in part the ones still used. The main material used as packaging is plastic from a petrochemical source since it has excellent physical-chemical properties, low cost of the manufacturing process, and wide application. However, sustainable materials, developed from biodegradable polymers and renewable source, has been pointed out as a short solution to the environmental problem. Regarding this issue, several additives have been studied to improve mechanical and barrier features of the biopolymer films such as reinforcement compounds such as cellulose nanocrystal, compatibilizers such as anhydride maleic, plasticizers such as glycerol, and bioactive compounds such as essential oils. Studies have been focused on the development of acetate cellulose films, polylactic acid materials, starch blends, and composites. Although the literature pointed to these materials as biodegradable, our studies indicated the opposite behavior when the acetate cellulose with an acetylation degree of around 2.5 was used to manufacture the films. Besides, the regular practice to incorporate additives in the polymeric matrices can interfere with the biodegradation process. Plasticizers addition also influences the behavior of the material degradation, but, favoring the process since the mobility favors the weight losses and breaks in the chain. Natural materials, such as starch and zein, polymer and polysaccharides respectively, has high biodegradation rates compared to cellulose materials. Knowing that the biodegradation behavior depends on several factors such as the type of microorganism of the soil, the soil composition, the climate (humidity and temperature), and the film composition, it is very difficult to understand and predict the scenario. Because of that, it is important to create an extensive data source of the materials, including the soil characterization, to understand better the material and to modulate the biodegradation properties in nature, mitigating the environmental problems.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Biodegradation is an actual theme important for materials research
- The data presented will resume some observations already done for some biopolymeric materials
- This research can help other faculty to expand their research or teaching
- This presentation will develop a critical point of view on biodegradation materials
