Feature Article

Environmentally Degradable Bio-Based Polymeric Blends and Composites

  1. Emo Chiellini1,*,
  2. Patrizia Cinelli1,
  3. Federica Chiellini1,
  4. Syed H. Imam2

Article first published online: 15 MAR 2004

DOI: 10.1002/mabi.200300126

Issue

Macromolecular Bioscience

Macromolecular Bioscience

Special Issue: Highlights from the First IUPAC International Conference on Bio-based Polymers (ICBP 2003) in Saitama, Japan

Volume 4, Issue 3, pages 218–231, March 15, 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Chiellini, E., Cinelli, P., Chiellini, F. and Imam, S. H. (2004), Environmentally Degradable Bio-Based Polymeric Blends and Composites. Macromol. Biosci., 4: 218–231. doi: 10.1002/mabi.200300126

Author Information

  1. 1

    UdR Consortium INSTM, Department of Chemistry & Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Risorgimento 35, 56126 Pisa, Italy

  2. 2

    Bioproduct Chemistry & Engineering Research, USDA, ARS, WRRC, Albany, CA 94710, USA

*UdR Consortium INSTM, Department of Chemistry & Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Risorgimento 35, 56126 Pisa, Italy. Fax: +39-050-28438

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 15 MAR 2004
  2. Article first published online: 15 MAR 2004
  3. Manuscript Revised: 4 FEB 2004
  4. Manuscript Accepted: 4 FEB 2004
  5. Manuscript Received: 11 DEC 2003

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Keywords:

  • biodegradable;
  • composites;
  • natural fibres;
  • poly(vinyl alcohol)

Abstract

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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.

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