Expanding The Synergistic Elongation Effects in PLA-PHBV Blends

 A mathematical Design of Experiments (DOE) was structured to consider the interactive effects of PLA, PHBV, triethyl citrate (TC) plasticiser, and epoxy functionalised styrene acrylate (ESA) within the synergistic elongational region of the PLA-PHBV blend (PLA: PHBV of 70:30 to 90:10). Twelve blends were prepared via twin screw extrusion process. Mixture design showed that PLA and TC content has the highest and ESA content has the lowest total effectiveness. The optimal values for the lowest cost and highest elongation at break and the elongational viscosity were reached at PLA/PHBV/plasticiser/ESA content of 0.574/0.3/0.113/0.012 wt.%. Rheological studies showed the blends with the highest elongational viscosity suitable for blown film extrusion. </p

Hosein Pouriman: Oxygen gas and water vapour barrier properties of blown extruded PLA/PHBV blends

Oxygen gas and water vapour barrier properties of blown extruded PLA/PHBV blends Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) are biodegradable polymers produced from non-petrochemical and sustainable resources with the largest global production amongst biopolymers. These two polymers' mechanical and barrier properties complement one another and can form a flexible barrier-improved monolayer blend suitable for flexible food packaging. The good biodegradable/compostable oxygen barrier films are expensive and must be part of a multi-layer structure to protect their mechanical weakness and sensitivity to moisture. On the other hand, the individual suitable barrier polymers have limited mechanical properties, e.g. sensitivity to moisture. There is a significant market demand for a monolayer flexible food packaging material with good barrier and conventional mechanical properties.This poster was uploaded for the SGS Research Showcase 2022.   Choose your favourite poster for the SGS Research Showcase People's Choice Award: Academic Poster category.</p

Monolayer films from poly(lactic acid) PLA/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) PHBV blends for food packaging applications

Four out of twelve different formulations consisting of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), triethyl citrate (TC), and epoxy-functionalized styrene acrylate (ESA) components were selected based on their superior elongation at break, rheological properties, and composition range from other batches. Each batch was made into a monolayer thin film via a blown film extrusion process. The films’ mechanical, oxygen gas, and moisture barrier and aesthetic properties were measured. The findings paved the understanding for developing biodegradable packaging to extend the shelf life of oxygen and moisture-sensitive food products. The results proved the significance of systematic analysis of the interacting effects of components’ mixing ratios on different properties of the blend. The produced films’ oxygen gas and moisture barrier properties showed significant improvement compared to neat PLA; however, still more than neat PHBV

Characterization of Untreated and Alkaline-Treated Salago Fibers (Genus Wikstroemia Spp.)

Salago fiber (genus wikstroemia spp.) is a bast natural fiber native of the Philippines. This fiber is found all over this country and has various applications, e.g. as handmade paper, currency paper, or bank notes. In this study, untreated and 5 wt% NaOH-treated Salago fibers was characterized chemically, physically, thermally, and morphologically for the first time. It was found that the treatment increases density and improves the mechanical properties of the fiber. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed stretching O–H and C–H alkane groups at 3330 cm−1 and 2918 cm−1 respectively and confirmed lignin reduction for the treated fiber. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that treated fibers possessed greater thermal stability. Scanning electron micrographs used to measure fiber diameters showed the rugged surfaces of untreated fibers and the glossier but more distorted surfaces of the treated ones