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PVC/PLA Composites/Biocomposites
Summary
Scientists are exploring how to combine a common plastic (PVC) with a plant-based, biodegradable plastic (PLA) to create new materials that break down more easily instead of piling up as waste. This review paper summarizes existing research showing that with the right additives, these blended plastics could work well for medical supplies and food packaging while reducing long-term plastic pollution. Since less plastic waste in the environment means fewer microplastics eventually ending up in our food, water, and bodies, this kind of research matters for reducing our overall exposure to plastic particles over time.
From the perspective of creating industrial ecology and circular economy, wastes are seen as valuable secondary raw materials. One way to reduce the impact of this pollution is by implementing recycling practices. Unfortunately, the recycled materials do not possess high-quality mechanical properties due to the incompatibility between different polymers. The sustainable way to counter pollution is development of biodegradable and eco-friendly materials. However, the physicochemical and structural properties of biodegradable materials are not as good as that of synthetic materials that are actually not biodegradable and add to the pollution issue. In this context, blending of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials can provide an innovative composite material with desirable properties. This chapter explores the characteristics of such blends/composites obtained from suitable interaction of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic polymer and polylactic acid (PLA), a biopolymer. The characteristics of both the polymers and their composites have been explored. The study reveals that blending of these polymers in presence of suitable plasticizer and compatibilizer can result in formation of biodegradable products with potential medical, packaging and other applications.