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Biobased and Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites II

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 15013

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Laura Aliotta

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Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Interests: materials science; natural fibers; natural fillers; composites; polymers; biopolymers; bioplastics; biocomposites; polymer processing; mechanical properties; thermal properties; analytical modelling
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Dr. Vito Gigante

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Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Università di Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Interests: processing; rheology; mechanical properties; fracture mechanics and thermal behavior of polymers and biocomposites
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Prof. Dr. Andrea Lazzeri

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Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Interests: materials Science; materials engineering; composites; nanomaterials; polymers; biopolymers; bioplastics; nanobiocomposites; polymer processing; mechanical properties; viscoelasticity; modelling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last few years, interest in sustainability has become even more intense than before. The adoption of circular economy approaches has led to the minimization and valorization of waste as well as to the substitution of fossil-based materials with biobased ones. New sustainable and eco-efficient products are entering the market, pushing researchers towards the development of new biobased and/or biodegradable blends and composites able to efficiently replace fossil-based products. For this Special Issue, we welcome papers related to obtaining biobased material solutions with performance equal to or better than their fossil-based counterparts via a deep investigation of the correlation between thermo-mechanical performance, morphology, and processing.

Innovative studies focused on numerical and analytical correlation to predict the mechanical performances of innovative biobased blends and composite materials will also be considered for publication in this Special Issue.

Dr. Laura Aliotta
Dr. Vito Gigante
Prof. Dr. Andrea Lazzeri
Guest Editors

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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.

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Keywords

biobased materials
biocomposites
mechanical performances
biodegradability
sustainability
polymer blends
polymer composites

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 20353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Preparation and Properties of Thermally Conductive Semi-Aromatic Heat-Resistant PA5T-CO-10T/ Hexagonal Boron Nitride Composites

by Bingxiao Liu, Yunzhen Zhu, Chen Yang, Liqun Ma, Fuchun Zhang, Mingzheng Hao, Zhongqiang Wang, Lizhen Bai, Jiale An and Dongqi Xiao

Polymers 2025, 17(8), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17081031 - 10 Apr 2025

Viewed by 292

Abstract

In this paper, we report a novel thermally conductive semi-aromatic heat-resistant PA5T-CO-10T/hexagonal boron nitride (PA5T-CO-10T/BN) composite, based on as-synthesized PA5T-CO-10T, which is a copolymer of poly (pentamethylene terephthalamide) (PA5T) and poly (decamethylene terephthalamide) (PA10T). We confirmed the structure of PA5T-CO-10T through a nuclear magnetic resonance carbon spectrometer (¹³C-NMR). The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicate that PA5T-CO-10T demonstrates a processing window (greater than 90 °C) which is suitable for melt processing and injection molding. Moreover, the PA5T-CO-10T composites with different BN contents were tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a thermal conductivity meter, a rotational rheometer and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicate that as the content of h-BN increases, the thermal conductivity of the PA5T-CO-10T/BN composites is significantly enhanced. When the mass of h-BN reaches 30 wt%, the thermal conductivity of the composite material is 2.5 times that of the original matrix resin. Simultaneously, there is a notable upward trend observed in the storage modulus, loss modulus, complex viscosity and orientation degree of h-BN. This is attributed to the high thermal conductivity and the high orientation degree of h-BN, which ensure the continuous enhancement of the material’s thermal conductivity. Additionally, the introduction of h-BN enhances the degree of connection between the material’s molecular chains. PA5T-CO-10T/BN possesses excellent heat resistance and thermal conductivity, presenting significant application prospects in the fields of electronics, electrical appliances and automobiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites II)

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14 pages, 9593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Brewers’ Spent Grain-Derived Arabinoxylan as a Sustainable Filler for Enhanced PHBV Biocomposites

by Ilary Belardi, Fabrizio Sarasini, Jacopo Tirillò, Pietro Russo, Giovanni De Francesco, Ombretta Marconi and Assunta Marrocchi

Polymers 2025, 17(1), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17010114 - 5 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1147

Abstract

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a highly promising biodegradable and bio-based thermoplastic recognized for its environmental benefits and potential versatility. However, its industrial adoption has been limited due to its inherent brittleness and suboptimal processability. Despite these challenges, PHBV’s performance can be tailored for a wide range of applications through strategic modifications, particularly by blending it with other biodegradable polymers or reinforcing it with natural fibers and bio-based fillers. This study explores the potential of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) as a sustainable source for the development of PHBV biocomposites. The biocomposites were synthesized by incorporating arabinoxylan-bound benzoate, which can be derived from BSG, as a sustainable filler at concentrations of 4% and 10% w/w. The resulting materials were characterized using tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The findings demonstrate that the incorporation of functionalized arabinoxylan significantly enhances the mechanical properties of PHBV, preserves its thermal stability, and increases its crystallinity (from 59.9% to 67.6%), highlighting a positive impact on both material performance and processing characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites II)

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21 pages, 8489 KiB

Open AccessArticle

De- and Re-Structuring of Starch to Control the Melt and Solid State Visco-Elasticity as Method for Getting New Multi Component Compounds with Scalable Properties

by Doina Dimonie, Ramona-Marina Grigorescu, Bogdan Trică, Monica Raduly, Celina-Maria Damian, Roxana Trusca, Alina-Elena Mustatea, Stefan-Ovidiu Dima and Florin Oancea

Polymers 2024, 16(21), 3063; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16213063 - 30 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1111

Abstract

The aim of the article was to design and develop new thermodynamically stable starch-based compounds, with scalable properties, that are melt-processable into finished products by classic or 3D printing methods. This is based on phenomena of de-structuring, entanglement compatibilization, and re-structuring of starch, along with the modification of the polymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), by following an experimental sequence involving pre-treatment and melt compounding in two stages. The new compounds selection was made considering the dependence of viscoelastic properties on formulation and flowing conditions in both the melted and solid states. Starting from starch with 125 °C glass transition and PVA with a T_g at 85 °C, and following the mentioned experimental sequence, new starch-PVA compounds with a high macromolecular miscibility and proven thermodynamic stability for at least 10 years, with glass transitions ranging from −10 °C to 50 °C, optimal processability through both classical melt procedures (extrusion, injection) and 3D printing, as well as good scalability properties, were achieved. The results are connected to the approaches considering the relationship between miscibility and the lifetime of compounds with renewable-based polymer content. By deepening the understanding of the thermodynamic stability features characterizing these compounds, it can be possible to open the way for starch usage in medium-life compositions, not only for short-life applications, as until now. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites II)

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19 pages, 6245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal, Morphological, Mechanical, and Biodegradation Properties of Poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide)/High-Density Polyethylene Blends

by Yodthong Baimark, Prasong Srihanam and Yaowalak Srisuwan

Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2078; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142078 - 21 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1509

Abstract

Polymer blends of poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with different blend ratios were prepared by a melt blending method. The thermal, morphological, mechanical, opacity, and biodegradation properties of the PLLA-PEG-PLLA/HDPE blends were investigated and compared to the PLLA/HDPE blends. The blending of HDPE improved the crystallization ability and thermal stability of the PLLA-PEG-PLLA; however, these properties were not improved for the PLLA. The morphology of the blended films showed that the PLLA-PEG-PLLA/HDPE blends had smaller dispersed phases compared to the PLLA/HDPE blends. The PLLA-PEG-PLLA/HDPE blends exhibited higher flexibility, lower opacity, and faster biodegradation and bioerosion in soil than the PLLA/HDPE blends. Therefore, these PLLA-PEG-PLLA/HDPE blends have a good potential for use as flexible and partially biodegradable materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites II)

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11 pages, 3326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon-Based Composites with Biodegradable Matrix for Flexible Paper Electronics

by Jerzy Szałapak, Bartosz Zdanikowski, Aleksandra Kądziela, Sandra Lepak-Kuc, Łucja Dybowska-Sarapuk, Daniel Janczak, Tomasz Raczyński and Małgorzata Jakubowska

Polymers 2024, 16(5), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050686 - 2 Mar 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1705

Abstract

The authors explore the development of paper-based electronics using carbon-based composites with a biodegradable matrix based on ethyl cellulose and dibasic ester solvent. The main focus is on screen-printing techniques for creating flexible, eco-friendly electronic devices. This research evaluates the printability with the rheological measurements, electrical properties, flexibility, and adhesion of these composites, considering various compositions, including graphene, graphite, and carbon black. The study finds that certain compositions offer sheet resistance below 1 kΩ/sq and good adhesion to paper substrates with just one layer of screen printing, demonstrating the potential for commercial applications, such as single-use electronics, flexible heaters, etc. The study also shows the impact of cyclic bending on the electrical parameters of the prepared layers. This research emphasizes the importance of the biodegradability of the matrix, contributing to the field of sustainable electronics. Overall, this study provides insights into developing environmentally friendly, flexible electronic components, highlighting the role of biodegradable materials in this evolving industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites II)

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16 pages, 2912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Novel Flax Fiber/Epoxy Composites with Increased Biobased Content

by Bianca Dal Pont, Vito Gigante, Luca Panariello, Ilaria Canesi, Laura Aliotta and Andrea Lazzeri

Polymers 2023, 15(19), 4030; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15194030 - 9 Oct 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2561

Abstract

Currently, biobased epoxy resins derived from plant oils and natural fibers are available on the market and are a promising substitute for fossil-based products. The purpose of this work is to investigate novel lightweight thermoset fiber-reinforced composites with extremely high biobased content. Paying attention to the biobased content, following a cascade pathway, many trials were carried out with different types of resins and hardeners to select the best ones. The most promising formulations were then used to produce flax fiber reinforced composites by vacuum bagging process. The main biocomposite properties such as tensile, bending, and impact properties as well as the individuation of their glass transition temperatures (by DSC) were assessed. Three biocomposite systems were investigated with biobased content ranging from 60 to 91%, obtaining an elastic modulus that varied from 2.7 to 6.3 GPa, a flexural strength from 23 to 108.5 MPa, and Charpy impact strength from 11.9 to 12.2 kJ/m². The properties reached by the new biocomposites are very encouraging; in fact, their stiffness vs. lightweight (calculated by the E/ρ³ ratio) is comparable to some typical epoxy–glass composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites II)

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Review

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33 pages, 3538 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovative Biobased and Sustainable Polymer Packaging Solutions for Extending Bread Shelf Life: A Review

by Vito Gigante, Laura Aliotta, Roberta Ascrizzi, Laura Pistelli, Angela Zinnai, Giovanna Batoni, Maria-Beatrice Coltelli and Andrea Lazzeri

Polymers 2023, 15(24), 4700; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15244700 - 13 Dec 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5363

Abstract

Sustainable packaging has been steadily gaining prominence within the food industry, with biobased materials emerging as a promising substitute for conventional petroleum-derived plastics. This review is dedicated to the examination of innovative biobased materials in the context of bread packaging. It aims to furnish a comprehensive survey of recent discoveries, fundamental properties, and potential applications. Commencing with an examination of the challenges posed by various bread types and the imperative of extending shelf life, the review underscores the beneficial role of biopolymers as internal coatings or external layers in preserving product freshness while upholding structural integrity. Furthermore, the introduction of biocomposites, resulting from the amalgamation of biopolymers with active biomolecules, fortifies barrier properties, thus shielding bread from moisture, oxygen, and external influences. The review also addresses the associated challenges and opportunities in utilizing biobased materials for bread packaging, accentuating the ongoing requirement for research and innovation to create advanced materials that ensure product integrity while diminishing the environmental footprint. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites II)

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