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Foaming Behavior and Water Absorption-Desorption Cycle of Polylactide for Food Packaging
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Researchers investigated foaming polylactic acid (PLA) using supercritical CO2 in a pressure-induced batch process, finding that careful control of saturation pressure, temperature, and depressurization rate produced lightweight foamed PLA structures suitable for sustainable food packaging applications.
This study investigates the foaming behavior of polylactide (PLA), notoriously difficult to foam, using a pressure-induced batch foaming method with supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO 2 ) as the physical blowing agent.Choosing sc-CO 2 has strategic advantages due to its easily controlled critical point and high solubility in PLA, making it convenient for laboratory experiments.This research aims to explore PLA foaming with the primary aim of developing a sustainable alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foams.As a bioplastic derived from renewable resources, PLA offers a promising solution to the pressing environmental concerns associated with EPS.By experimentally investigating the foaming of PLA using sc-CO 2 , this study aims to contribute to developing eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions.Foams were prepared at different foaming pressures ranging from 14,426 kPa to 19,574 kPa with a constant temperature of 443.15K for 135 minutes.The highest density reduction (90.645%) and superior compressive strength (5.597 MPa) were achieved.FTIR analysis indicates no residual chemical reactions in the foaming process, as seen by the absence of the -CH group vibration (2919 cm⁻¹) in the foamed PLA and the presence of the strong O-H peak (3297 cm⁻¹) only in unfoamed PLA.The water uptake test showed that the PLA foam absorbed around 12% water within the first 15 minutes, which is lower than many other biodegradable foams.It also withstood over 3 cycles of 2-hour water immersions, suggesting its potential for sustainable packaging applications.
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ScCO2-assisted fabrication and compressive property of poly (lactic acid) foam reinforced by in-situ polytetrafluoroethylene fibrils
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Researchers developed biodegradable poly(lactic acid) foam reinforced with polytetrafluoroethylene fibrils using supercritical CO2 foaming, achieving a 30% improvement in specific compressive strength and two orders of magnitude increase in storage modulus at 5 wt% PTFE content. The approach improves PLA's typically poor melt strength and slow crystallization, making it a more viable bio-based alternative to petroleum-based plastic foams.
Optimisation des mousses de PLA produites par méthode supercritique : Influence de la modification chimique et de l'incorporation de CNC sur les structures cellulaires résultantes
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Researchers investigated the influence of chemical modification and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) incorporation on the properties of polylactic acid (PLA) foams produced by supercritical CO2 foaming, motivated by the need for biodegradable alternatives to microplastic-generating petroleum-based foam materials. Chemical modification improved PLA melt elasticity and resulted in significant changes to cellular foam structure, advancing the development of biodegradable packaging foams.
High-Strength Bio-Degradable Polymer Foams with Stable High Volume-Expansion Ratio Using Chain Extension and Green Supercritical Mixed-Gas Foaming
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Researchers developed high-strength biodegradable foam packaging by blending polylactic acid and PBAT with an epoxy chain extender, using supercritical CO2/N2 co-foaming to achieve a stable volume-expansion ratio of 23 and compressive strength of 270 kPa — a promising sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based foam packaging.
The Future of Sustainable Packaging: Exploring Biodegradable Solutions Through Extrusion, Thermo-Expansion, 3D Printing and Supercritical Fluid from Agro-Industry Waste
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Researchers reviewed biodegradable foam alternatives to expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging, evaluating manufacturing methods including extrusion, thermo-expansion, 3D printing, and supercritical fluid processing of renewable polysaccharides derived from agro-industrial waste as more sustainable options.
Supercritical CO2-Assisted Fabrication of Environmentally Friendly Poly(Propylene Carbonate)/Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate)/Epoxidized Soybean Oil (PPC/PBAT/ESO) Lightweight Open-Cell Foams With Excellent Degradability and Thermal Insulation Properties.
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Researchers made a lightweight foam from biodegradable plastics and soybean oil using carbon dioxide gas as a foaming agent. In lab testing, the foam expanded significantly, lost 57.96% of its mass within 26 days, and showed strong heat insulation properties, suggesting it could serve as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic foams.
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