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Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomacromolecules, Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 August 2023) | Viewed by 29747

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Prof. Dr. Beom Soo Kim

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Department of Chemical Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
Interests: bioplastics; biodegradable polymers; molecularly imprinted polymers; polyhydroxyalkanoates; green synthesis of nanoparticles; bioprocess engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Przemysław Pączkowski

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Department of Polymer Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Gliniana 33, 20-614 Lublin, Poland
Interests: heterogeneous polymerization techniques; investigations of porous structure of polymeric materials; chemical modification of polymers; preparation of polymeric microspheres for chromatography and separation techniques; accelerated aging test of materials; synthesis of (bio)composites; degradation studies of (bio)compossites; thermal analysis of polymers; spectroscopic analysis of polymeric materials; solid-phase extraction of synthetic and natural organic compounds; chromatographic analysis of synthetic and natural organic compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The growing environmental concerns and the search for more versatile polymer-based materials have led to increasing interest in the use of polymer composites with natural, organic biodegradable and renewable fillers. The use of reinforcements is associated with high hopes for the design of new sustainable polymer materials with the desired properties. Therefore, numerous studies are carried out on the production of biodegradable polymer composite materials, especially due to their unique physical and mechanical properties, comparable to pure polymer matrices. A further degree of environmental friendliness is achieved when the polymer matrix is also biodegradable and comes from renewable sources.

Additionally, while some well-known biodegradable products are available on the market, the choice is still very limited. As a result, intensive research and development on biodegradable polymer composites are carried out continuously.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight the progress and fundamental aspects for the synthesis, characterization, fabrication, and applications of biodegradable polymer composites. I kindly invite you to submit a manuscript for this Special Issue. Reviews, original full papers, and short communications about the most current biocomposites are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Beom Soo Kim
Dr. Przemysław Pączkowski
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

polymer composites
nanocomposites
natural polymers
biodegradable composites
environmentally friendly composites
fabrication of composites
applications of composites
degradation studies
thermal properties
mechanical properties

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Properties of Eco-Friendly Composites Based on Post-Consumer Recycled Resin Filled with Walnut Shell Powder

by Przemysław Pączkowski

Polymers 2023, 15(22), 4389; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15224389 - 12 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1055

Abstract

Increased demand for environmentally friendly materials resulted in a worldwide interest in manufacturing composite materials from agricultural wastes. Thus, this paper presents the results of research on the synthesis of eco-friendly composites and their properties. For their preparation, unsaturated polyester resin based on post-consumer recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) was filled with walnut (Júglans régia L.) shell powder. After the filler incorporation, the deterioration of gloss and mechanical properties were observed. The flexural strength and modulus are significantly affected by the filler amount. Distilled water, 1% sodium hydroxide, toluene, and acetone were used as solvents in the chemical resistance test. Changes to the structure and properties of composites after 49 days of immersion in solvents were investigated. The immersion in water has no significant effect on the pure resin, but for its composites, the plasticizing effect of water was observed. The results show that all specimens show resistance toward toluene. In acetone, the resin and its composite shrink and fall into pieces, but the most destructive is an alkaline environment. After the immersion test, a huge increase in mass and a deterioration of gloss and mechanical properties were observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications)

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17 pages, 13235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Nitrogen Arc Discharge Plasma Treatment on Physicochemical Properties and Biocompatibility of PLA-Based Scaffolds

by Olesya A. Laput, Irina V. Vasenina, Alena G. Korzhova, Anastasia A. Bryuzgina, Ulyana V. Khomutova, Sitora G. Tuyakova, Yuriy H. Akhmadeev, Vladimir V. Shugurov, Evgeny N. Bolbasov, Sergei I. Tverdokhlebov, Aleksandr V. Chernyavskii and Irina A. Kurzina

Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3381; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163381 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 935

Abstract

The effect of low-temperature arc discharge plasma treatment in a nitrogen atmosphere on the modification of the physicochemical properties of PLA-based scaffolds was studied. In addition, the cellular-mediated immune response when macrophages of three donors interact with the modified surfaces of PLA-based scaffolds was investigated. PLA surface carbonization, accompanied by a carbon atomic concentration increase, was revealed to occur because of plasma treatment. Nitrogen plasma significantly influenced the PLA wettability characteristics, namely, the hydrophilicity and lipophilicity were improved, as well as the surface energy being raised. The viability of cells in the presence of the plasma-modified PLA scaffolds was evaluated to be higher than that of the initial cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications)

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18 pages, 14416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Spectrum of Home-Compostable Biopolymer Fibers Compared to a Petrochemical Alternative

by Simon Schick, Robert Groten and Gunnar H. Seide

Polymers 2023, 15(6), 1372; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061372 - 09 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1711

Abstract

Manufacturers of technical polymers must increasingly consider the degradability of their products due to the growing public interest in topics such as greenhouse gas emissions and microplastic pollution. Biobased polymers are part of the solution, but they are still more expensive and less well characterized than conventional petrochemical polymers. Therefore, few biobased polymers with technical applications have reached the market. Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most widely-used industrial thermoplastic biopolymer and is mainly found in the areas of packaging and single-use products. It is classed as biodegradable but only breaks down efficiently above the glass transition temperature of ~60 °C, so it persists in the environment. Some commercially available biobased polymers can break down under normal environmental conditions, including polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and thermoplastic starch (TPS), but they are used far less than PLA. This article compares polypropylene, a petrochemical polymer and benchmark for technical applications, with the commercially available biobased polymers PBS, PBAT and TPS, all of which are home-compostable. The comparison considers processing (using the same spinning equipment to generate comparable data) and utilization. Draw ratios ranged from 29 to 83, with take-up speeds from 450 to 1000 m/min. PP achieved benchmark tenacities over 50 cN/tex with these settings, while PBS and PBAT achieved over 10cN/tex. By comparing the performance of biopolymers to petrochemical polymers in the same melt-spinning setting, it is easier to decide which polymer to use in a particular application. This study shows the possibility that home-compostable biopolymers are suitable for products with lower mechanical properties. Only spinning the materials on the same machine with the same settings produces comparable data. This research, therefore, fills the niche and provides comparable data. To our knowledge, this report is the first direct comparison of polypropylene and biobased polymers in the same spinning process with the same parameter settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications)

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15 pages, 3700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterisation of Films Based on Exopolysaccharides from Alteromonas Strains Isolated from French Polynesia Marine Environments

by Patrícia Concórdio-Reis, João R. Pereira, Vítor D. Alves, Ana R. Nabais, Luísa A. Neves, Ana C. Marques, Elvira Fortunato, Xavier Moppert, Jean Guézennec, Maria A.M. Reis and Filomena Freitas

Polymers 2022, 14(20), 4442; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204442 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1611

Abstract

This work assessed the film-forming capacity of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by six Alteromonas strains recently isolated from different marine environments in French Polynesia atolls. The films were transparent and resulted in small colour alterations when applied over a coloured surface (ΔE_ab below 12.6 in the five different colours tested). Moreover, scanning electron microscopy showed that the EPS films were dense and compact, with a smooth surface. High water vapour permeabilities were observed (2.7–6.1 × 10⁻¹¹ mol m⁻¹ s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹), which are characteristic of hydrophilic polysaccharide films. The films were also characterised in terms of barrier properties to oxygen and carbon dioxide. Interestingly, different behaviours in terms of their mechanical properties under tensile tests were observed: three of the EPS films were ductile with high elongation at break (ε) (35.6–47.0%), low tensile strength at break (Ꞇ) (4.55–11.7 MPa) and low Young’s modulus (εm) (10–93 MPa), whereas the other three were stiffer and more resistant with a higher Ꞇ (16.6–23.6 MPa), lower ε (2.80–5.58%), and higher εm (597–1100 MPa). These properties demonstrate the potential of Alteromonas sp. EPS films to be applied in different areas such as biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, or food packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications)

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13 pages, 4076 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Bio-Based pH Indicator Films for Intelligent Food Packaging Applications

by Iulia Păușescu, Diana-Maria Dreavă, Ioan Bîtcan, Raluca Argetoianu, Diana Dăescu and Mihai Medeleanu

Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3622; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173622 - 01 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3602

Abstract

The widespread concerns about the environmental problems caused by conventional plastic food packaging and food waste led to a growing effort to develop active and intelligent systems produced from renewable biodegradable polymers for food packaging applications. Among intelligent systems, the most widely used are pH indicators, which are generally based on a pH-sensitive dye incorporated into a solid support. The objective of this study was to develop new intelligent systems based on renewable biodegradable polymers and a new bio-inspired pH-sensitive dye. The structure of the dye was elucidated through FT-IR and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. UV-VIS measurements of the dye solutions at various pH values proved their halochromic properties. Their toxicity was evaluated through theoretical calculations, and no toxicity risks were found. The new anthocyanidin was used for the development of biodegradable intelligent systems based on chitosan blends. The obtained polymeric films were characterized through UV-VIS and FT-IR spectroscopy. Their thermal properties were assessed through a thermogravimetric analysis, which showed a better stability of chitosan–PVA–dye and chitosan–starch–dye films compared to those of chitosan–cellulose–dye films and the dye itself. The films’ sensitivity to pH variations was evaluated through immersion in buffer solutions with pH values ranging from 2 to 12, and visible color changes were observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications)

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15 pages, 4217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grafting of Methyl Methacrylate onto Gelatin Initiated by Tri-Butylborane—2,5-Di-Tert-Butyl-p-Benzoquinone System

by Yulia Kuznetsova, Ksenya Gushchina, Karina Sustaeva, Alexander Mitin, Marfa Egorikhina, Victoria Chasova and Lyudmila Semenycheva

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3290; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163290 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1654

Abstract

Graft gelatin and poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers were synthesized in the presence of the tributylborane—2,5-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone (2,5-DTBQ) system. The molecular weight parameters and morphology of the polymer indicate that it has a cross-linked structure. Obtained data confirm the simultaneous formation of a copolymer in two ways: “grafting from” and “grafting to”. It leads to the cross-linked structure of a copolymer. This structure was not obtained for copolymers synthesized in the presence of other initiating systems: azobisisobutyronitrile; tributylborane; azobisisobutyronitrile and tributylborane; azobisisobutyronitrile, tributylborane, and 2,5-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone. In these cases, the possibility of the formation of the copolymer, simultaneously in two ways, was excluded. Graft gelatin and poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers synthesized in the presence of the tributylborane—2,5-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone system are promising in terms of their use in scaffold technologies due to the three-dimensional mesh structure, providing a high regenerative potential of materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications)

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18 pages, 4646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodegradable Polymer Materials Based on Polyethylene and Natural Rubber: Acquiring, Investigation, Properties

by Ivetta Varyan, Polina Tyubaeva, Natalya Kolesnikova and Anatoly Popov

Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2457; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122457 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4290

Abstract

The growing amount of synthetic polymeric materials is a great environmental problem that has to be solved as soon as possible. The main factor aggravating this problem is the abundance of products made from traditional synthetic polymer, such as packaging materials, cases, containers and other equipment with a short period of use, which quickly turns into polymer waste that pollutes the ecosystem for decades. In this paper, we consider the possibility of solving this problem by the development of biodegradable compositions based on polyolefins and elastomers. The addition of a natural component (natural rubber) to the matrix of the synthetic polymeric (polyethylene) leads to the significant changes in structure and properties of the material. Different aspects of mixing semicrystalline and amorphous polymers are discussed in the article. It was shown that addition of 10–50% wt. of the elastomers to the synthetic polymer increases wettability of the material, slightly reduces the mechanical properties, significantly affects the supramolecular structure of the crystalline phase of polyethylene and initiates microbiological degradation. In particular, in this work, the acquisition, structure and properties of biodegradable binary composites based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and natural rubber (NR) were studied. It has been shown that such compositions are biodegradable in soil under standard conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications)

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21 pages, 8593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental-Friendly Adsorbent Composite Based on Hydroxyapatite/Hydroxypropyl Methyl-Cellulose for Removal of Cationic Dyes from an Aqueous Solution

by Noureddine Akartasse, Khalil Azzaoui, Elmiloud Mejdoubi, Belkheir Hammouti, Lhaj Lahcen Elansari, Mohamed Abou-salama, Mohamed Aaddouz, Rachid Sabbahi, Larbi Rhazi and Mohamed Siaj

Polymers 2022, 14(11), 2147; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14112147 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2136

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop a new, efficient, and inexpensive natural-based adsorbent with high efficacy for the cationic dye methylene blue (MB). A natural-based nanocomposite based on hydroxyapatite (HAp) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was selected for this purpose. It was synthesized by the dissolution/reprecipitation method. A film with a homogeneous and smooth surface composed of nanoparticles was prepared from the nanocomposite. HPMC and HAp biopolymers were selected due to their compatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. Total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and calorimetric/thermal gravimetric (DSC/TGA) analysis results revealed the existence of strong physical interaction between the composite components. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations show a composite sheet with a homogenous and smooth surface, indicating excellent compatibility between HPMC and HAp in the composite. The nanocomposite was evaluated as an adsorbent for organic dyes in an aqueous solution. The effects of solution pH, initial MB concentration, composite concentration, and adsorption time on the adsorption efficiency were evaluated. The highest adsorption rate was seen as 52.0 mg of MB/g composite. The adsorption rate reached equilibrium in about 20 min. Fitting of the adsorption data to the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models was investigated. Results showed that the adsorption process follows the Langmuir isotherm model. The kinetic study results revealed that the adsorption process was pseudo-second-order. The herein composite is an excellent alternative for use as contemporary industrial-scale adsorbents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications)

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Review

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28 pages, 4531 KiB

Open AccessReview

Stimuli-Responsive Polysaccharide Hydrogels and Their Composites for Wound Healing Applications

by Maria Psarrou, Anna Mitraki, Maria Vamvakaki and Chrysoula Kokotidou

Polymers 2023, 15(4), 986; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15040986 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2717

Abstract

There is a growing concern about wound care, since traditional dressings such as bandages and sutures can no longer meet existing needs. To address the demanding requirements, naturally occurring polymers have been extensively exploited for use in modern wound management. Polysaccharides, being the most abundant biopolymers, have some distinct characteristics, including biocompatibility and biodegradability, which render them ideal candidates for wound healing applications. Combining them with inorganic and organic moieties can produce effective multifunctional composites with the desired mechanical properties, high wound healing efficiencies and excellent antibacterial behavior. Recent research endeavors focus on the development of stimuli-responsive polysaccharide composites for biomedical applications. Polysaccharide composites, being sensitive to the local environment, such as changes of the solution temperature, pH, etc., can sense and react to the wound conditions, thus promoting an effective interaction with the wound. This review highlights the recent advances in stimuli-responsive polysaccharide hydrogels and their composites for use in wound healing applications. The synthetic approaches, physical, chemical, and biochemical properties as well as their function in wound healing will be discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications)

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36 pages, 8778 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bilayer Hydrogels for Wound Dressing and Tissue Engineering

by Olga Luneva, Roman Olekhnovich and Mayya Uspenskaya

Polymers 2022, 14(15), 3135; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14153135 - 01 Aug 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5419

Abstract

A large number of different skin diseases such as hits, acute, and chronic wounds dictate the search for alternative and effective treatment options. The wound healing process requires a complex approach, the key step of which is the choice of a dressing with controlled properties. Hydrogel-based scaffolds can serve as a unique class of wound dressings. Presented on the commercial market, hydrogel wound dressings are not found among proposals for specific cases and have a number of disadvantages—toxicity, allergenicity, and mechanical instability. Bilayer dressings are attracting great attention, which can be combined with multifunctional properties, high criteria for an ideal wound dressing (antimicrobial properties, adhesion and hemostasis, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects), drug delivery, self-healing, stimulus manifestation, and conductivity, depending on the preparation and purpose. In addition, advances in stem cell biology and biomaterials have enabled the design of hydrogel materials for skin tissue engineering. To improve the heterogeneity of the cell environment, it is possible to use two-layer functional gradient hydrogels. This review summarizes the methods and application advantages of bilayer dressings in wound treatment and skin tissue regeneration. Bilayered hydrogels based on natural as well as synthetic polymers are presented. The results of the in vitro and in vivo experiments and drug release are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications)

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22 pages, 5534 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biodegradable Polymer Composites for Electrophysiological Signal Sensing

by Dong Hyun Lee, Taehyun Park and Hocheon Yoo

Polymers 2022, 14(14), 2875; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142875 - 15 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3047

Abstract

Electrophysiological signals are collected to characterize human health and applied in various fields, such as medicine, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Studies of electrophysiological signals have focused on accurate signal acquisition, real-time monitoring, and signal interpretation. Furthermore, the development of electronic devices consisting of biodegradable and biocompatible materials has been attracting attention over the last decade. In this regard, this review presents a timely overview of electrophysiological signals collected with biodegradable polymer electrodes. Candidate polymers that can constitute biodegradable polymer electrodes are systemically classified by their essential properties for collecting electrophysiological signals. Moreover, electrophysiological signals, such as electrocardiograms, electromyograms, and electroencephalograms subdivided with human organs, are discussed. In addition, the evaluation of the biodegradability of various electrodes with an electrophysiology signal collection purpose is comprehensively revisited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Applications)

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