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Advances in Biomass-Derived and Biodegradable Polymer Materials: Synthesis and Application

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymeric Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 899

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
Interests: functional organic/polymer synthesis; conjugated ladder-type polymers; biomass-derived polymer synthesis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the increasing global temperature, reliance on fossil fuels, and great amounts of plastic waste, the development of biomass-derived and biodegradable polymers has become a pivotal area of research. These sustainable materials provide feasible alternatives to traditional petroleum-based polymers, reducing pollution and supporting circular economy principles.

This Special Issue seeks to highlight recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and application of polymers derived from renewable resources, such as agricultural residues, forestry by-products, and other biomass sources. Key topics include innovative synthesis methods, material property enhancements, and the preparation of biodegradable polymers with tailored functionalities for specific uses. Emphasis will also be placed on the relationship between polymer structure and performance, environmental impact assessments, and biodegradability studies. By focusing on these areas, this Special Issue aims to contribute to the development of sustainable polymer solutions for a variety of industries.

Potential contributors are invited to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies exploring these cutting-edge advancements. Submissions featuring interdisciplinary approaches, novel applications in packaging, medical devices, agriculture, and strategies for scaling up production are particularly encouraged. This Special Issue offers authors a platform to disseminate their findings, foster collaboration, and drive innovation toward eco-friendly polymer materials, enhancing their visibility within the global scientific community.

Dr. Jongbok Lee
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • biomass-derived polymer materials
  • bioplastics
  • biodegradable
  • carbon neutrality
  • sustainable materials

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 833 KiB  
Article
Kombucha as a Solvent for Chitosan Coatings: A New Strategy to Extend Shelf Life of Red Peppers
by Karolina Stefanowska, Magdalena Woźniak, Anna Sip, Róża Biegańska-Marecik, Renata Dobrucka and Izabela Ratajczak
Materials 2025, 18(7), 1605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18071605 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 350
Abstract
Plastic pollution and environmental degradation necessitate the development of natural, biodegradable food preservation materials. This study examined chitosan-based film-forming solutions using kombucha derived from black tea, lemon balm, and chamomile as natural solvents rich in bioactive compounds. Lemon balm kombucha solutions were used [...] Read more.
Plastic pollution and environmental degradation necessitate the development of natural, biodegradable food preservation materials. This study examined chitosan-based film-forming solutions using kombucha derived from black tea, lemon balm, and chamomile as natural solvents rich in bioactive compounds. Lemon balm kombucha solutions were used to create chitosan films and coat red peppers. The study assessed the mechanical properties of the films and the effects of chitosan coating on peppers, including texture, ascorbic acid content, sensory attributes, and antioxidant activity. Microbiological tests showed that a chitosan–lemon balm kombucha solution acted against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica. Lemon balm kombucha had high total phenolic (381.67 µg GAeq/mL) and flavonoid (21.05 µg Qeq/mL) contents. The chitosan film exhibited a tensile strength of 11.08 MPa and an elongation at break of 53.45%. The water vapor transmission rate of the obtained chitosan film was 131.84 g/m2·24 h. Coated peppers showed a 32% increase in skin strength and retained 11% more ascorbic acid after 15 days. Sensory evaluation revealed no significant differences from controls. These results highlight lemon balm kombucha as a promising natural solvent for chitosan coatings, which have the potential to extend red pepper shelf life and to support food preservation. Full article
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21 pages, 5221 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Energy Efficiency in WPC Production from Pinus sylvestris Wood and Thermoplastic ABS Supported by the HWE Method
by Kamil Roman and Katarzyna Fedorowicz
Materials 2025, 18(5), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18050980 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 368
Abstract
This study evaluates the mechanical energy consumption involved in producing wood–plastic composites (WPC) using Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and a acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene terpolymer (ABS) thermoplastic. The research examines the effects of Hot Water Extraction (HWE) on the properties of Pinus sylvestris biomass [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the mechanical energy consumption involved in producing wood–plastic composites (WPC) using Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and a acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene terpolymer (ABS) thermoplastic. The research examines the effects of Hot Water Extraction (HWE) on the properties of Pinus sylvestris biomass and its application in biocomposite production. Two Pinus sylvestris fractions, f1 (0–1 mm) and f2 (1–4 mm), were analyzed with and without HWE during compaction. The energy requirements and material performance were assessed through moisture content control, ash content determination, and compaction testing. The results show that HWE significantly improves the physical and chemical properties of Pinus sylvestris, increasing its suitability for WPC production. The HWE-treated samples consumed less energy and exhibited a higher density compared to the untreated materials. Statistical analysis validated the reliability of the methodology and revealed significant differences in the energy efficiency and material compatibility between treated and untreated samples. This study highlights the potential use of Pinus sylvestris and ABS for renewable bio-composite production, underlining the critical role of HWE in enhancing the properties of lignocellulosic materials. The findings contribute to developing energy-efficient industrial processes aligning with circular economy objectives. Full article
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