Biomass-Derived Polymers II

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 (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 15856

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Polymer Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
Interests: synthesis of new monomers and polymers; chemical modification of synthetic and natural polymers; synthesis of porous polymers for applications in various chromatographic techniques; synthesis of novel polymer-based adsorbents having desired properties for health and environmental protection; synthesis and investigation of carbon adsorbents from synthetic and natural polymers; chromatographic analysis; investigations of the porous structure of polymeric materials; use of recycled polymers in the synthesis; environmental protection; wasteless processes
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Guest Editor
Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
Interests: carbohydrate chemistry; cellulosic materials; polymer chemistry; bio-based composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Further to the success of the Special Issue of PolymersBiomass-Derived Polymers”, we are delighted to reopen the Special Issue, now titled “Biomass-Derived Polymers II”.

Most of the currently used polymers, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, are petroleum derivatives whose durability is an important feature. However, this is not always an advantage due to disposal problems after use. With the objective of a more sustainable circular economy, the utilization of renewable resources, including biomass, as feedstock for the production of polymer‐based materials is becoming increasingly important. Although conventional biomass-derived polymers are relatively soft and weak and lack thermoplasticity, new approaches have been developed for obtaining biomass-derived polymers with high mechanical and thermal stability and improved thermal processability.

This Special Issue will highlight recent advances in the understanding of the structures of polymers available in nature, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, chitin, and pectins, in the form of biomass constituents or as byproducts from various technological processes; chemical and physical modification techniques for the processing of biomass and fiber to improve their properties and compatibility; material properties; and, most importantly, their possible applications.

Prof. Dr. Barbara Gawdzik
Dr. Olena Sevastyanova
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 5127 KiB  
Article
Bio-Based Adhesives Formulated from Tannic Acid, Chitosan, and Shellac for Packaging Materials
by Urška Vrabič-Brodnjak
Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051302 - 04 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2497
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop bio-based adhesives that can be used for various packaging papers. In addition to commercial paper samples, papers produced from harmful plant species in Europe, such as Japanese Knotweed and Canadian Goldenrod, were used. In this [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to develop bio-based adhesives that can be used for various packaging papers. In addition to commercial paper samples, papers produced from harmful plant species in Europe, such as Japanese Knotweed and Canadian Goldenrod, were used. In this research, methods were developed to produce bio-based adhesive solutions in combinations of tannic acid, chitosan, and shellac. The results showed that the viscosity and adhesive strength of the adhesives were best in solutions with added tannic acid and shellac. The tensile strength with adhesives of tannic acid and chitosan was 30% better than with commercial adhesives and 23% for combinations of shellac and chitosan. For paper from Japanese Knotweed and Canadian Goldenrod, the most durable adhesive was pure shellac. Because the surface morphology of the invasive plant papers was more open and had numerous pores compared to the commercial papers, the adhesives penetrated the paper structure and filled the voids. There was less adhesive on the surface and the commercial papers achieved better adhesive properties. As expected, the bio-based adhesives also showed an increase in peel strength and exhibited favorable thermal stability. In summary, these physical properties support the use of bio-based adhesives use in different packaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass-Derived Polymers II)
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11 pages, 1448 KiB  
Article
Microwave-Assisted Lignin Extraction—Utilizing Deep Eutectic Solvents to Their Full Potential
by Alina Meindl, Alexander Petutschnigg and Thomas Schnabel
Polymers 2022, 14(20), 4319; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204319 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1749
Abstract
The current research intended to investigate the suitability of different choline-chloride-based deep eutectic solvents for their role in microwave lignin extraction. Lignin, a widely spread biopolymer in plants and woody structures, is a valuable replacement for fossil-fuel-based materials. While some promising applications have [...] Read more.
The current research intended to investigate the suitability of different choline-chloride-based deep eutectic solvents for their role in microwave lignin extraction. Lignin, a widely spread biopolymer in plants and woody structures, is a valuable replacement for fossil-fuel-based materials. While some promising applications have been trialled already, the extraction of this material from its matrix still causes problems. Here, we highlight an efficient and fast method to extract lignin from untreated larch bark with deep eutectic solvents in a standard domestic microwave. We developed a straightforward, green methodology, which can be used on various reaction scales, with materials available to many researchers. Lignin was extracted within only 30 min of microwave irradiation in yields of up to 96%. Compared to traditional deep eutectic extraction by conventional heating, the reaction time was cut by 87% and the energy costs were reduced by 93.5%. The hydrogen bond donors were exchanged and different types, namely acid-based, hydroxyl-based and amide-based donor systems, were evaluated for their suitability concerning microwave lignin extraction. This study presents a novel approach towards energy-efficient and green lignin valorisation, without the inherent need for costly equipment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass-Derived Polymers II)
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16 pages, 3419 KiB  
Article
Separation and Characterization of Cellulose Fibers from Cannabis Bast Using Foamed Nickel by Cathodic Electro-Fenton Oxidation Strategy
by Ying Sun, Duanxin Li, Yang Yu, Jialin Chen and Wanyue Fan
Polymers 2022, 14(3), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030380 - 19 Jan 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1823
Abstract
Degumming is the most important link in the textile industry. The main purpose of degumming is to effectively remove non-cellulose substances in plant bast fibers. In this research, we propose an electro-Fenton (EF) system with a nickel-foam (Ni-F) cathode in weak acid pH [...] Read more.
Degumming is the most important link in the textile industry. The main purpose of degumming is to effectively remove non-cellulose substances in plant bast fibers. In this research, we propose an electro-Fenton (EF) system with a nickel-foam (Ni-F) cathode in weak acid pH (EF/Ni-F) to degum cannabis fiber in EF while reducing the content of pollutants in degumming wastewater. FT-IR, XPS, XRD, SEM, and TG were employed to thoroughly understand the reaction characteristics to characterize chemical components, element qualities, the crystallinity, and the morphologies of degummed fibers. Additionally, physical and mechanical properties such as breaking strength, elongation at breaking, residual glue rate, whiteness, and diameter of degummed fibers were measured. Through testing, it was found that the fiber degummed by the EF method had higher breaking strength, lower residual tackiness, and higher whiteness than other methods. The antibacterial test was used to detect the effect of fiber on Staphylococcus aureus before and after degumming. EF could remove more colloidal components from cannabis than other methods, and the mechanical properties were also enhanced. The characteristics of the degummed fiber further confirmed the effectiveness of the new degumming method. Moreover, the antibacterial experiment found that the antibacterial property of the degummed fiber was enhanced. The colloidal components in the degumming wastewater were flocculated and precipitated. The upper liquid of the solution had low chromaticity, low COD value, and weak acid pH value, which can meet the discharge requirements. The above test proves that EF is an effective degumming method that is environmentally friendly, takes less time, and enhances antibacterial performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass-Derived Polymers II)
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20 pages, 10605 KiB  
Article
Effect of Eco-Friendly Peanut Shell Powder on the Chemical Resistance, Physical, Thermal, and Thermomechanical Properties of Unsaturated Polyester Resin Composites
by Przemysław Pączkowski, Andrzej Puszka and Barbara Gawdzik
Polymers 2021, 13(21), 3690; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13213690 - 26 Oct 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 9033
Abstract
The paper investigates the synthesis of eco-friendly composites and their properties before and after immersion in solvents of different chemical natures. For their preparation, unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) based on recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and peanut shell powder (PSP) were used. Polymerization [...] Read more.
The paper investigates the synthesis of eco-friendly composites and their properties before and after immersion in solvents of different chemical natures. For their preparation, unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) based on recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and peanut shell powder (PSP) were used. Polymerization was carried out in the presence of environmentally friendly polymeric cobalt. Distilled water, acetone, 10% hydrochloric acid, 40% sodium hydroxide, toluene, and 2% sodium carbonate were used as solvents in the chemical resistance test. Changes in the structure, properties, and appearance (morphology) of composites after 140 days of immersion in solvents were investigated. The results show that both the resin and its composites show resistance towards 10% HCl and toluene. The immersion in water has no significant effect on the resin, but for PSP composites, the plasticizing effect of water was observed. In acetone, after only one day, the resin and its composite with 10% PSP shrink and fall into pieces. However, the most destructive is an alkaline environment. After the immersion test, a huge increase in mass and a deterioration of gloss and thermomechanical properties were observed. The destructive influence of the 40% NaOH environment mainly concerned the resin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass-Derived Polymers II)
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