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Properties of polylactic acid and biochar-based composites for environment-friendly plant containers
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This study developed composite materials from polylactic acid and biochar for environmentally friendly applications, evaluating how biochar content affects mechanical properties, biodegradation rate, and thermal stability. Biochar addition improved certain material properties while maintaining biodegradability.
Traditional, petroleum-based plastics are known to linger in the environment for years due to their non-biodegradability and non-sustainability, eventually fragmenting into microplastics and contaminating waterways and agricultural systems. Therefore, many researchers have focused on bio-based and biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA). Biochar, a byproduct of the bio-fuel production process, has been investigated as a filler to reduce the amount of PLA used and improve mechanical properties. This research focuses on effect of biochar amount on PLA composites and the impact of individual additives consisting of polyethylene glycol, STRUKTOL® (a plasticizer), and cork particles. It was found that the cork-based composites (51-54 MPa) improved tensile strength more than both of the plasticizer-based composites (41-46 MPa). While the scanning electron microscopy images showed some aggregation in the 10 wt.% biochar composite, the cork composites (1 and 3 wt.%) showed slightly less aggregation than other composites. Additionally, analysis revealed high carbon (81%) and fixed carbon (74%) concentrations, respectively, in the hardwood-derived biochar, indicating potential for carbon sequestration. • High biochar carbon content for better carbon sequestration • Cork composites produced comparable tensile strength to 10 wt.% biochar composites • Smoother tensile breakage for additive-based composites compared to biochar-based • No significant degradation seen within processing temperatures for all composites • Biochar and cork additives discouraged crystal nucleation
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Researchers studied how adding biochar to acidic soil affects the breakdown of polylactic acid microplastics over one year. They found that both chicken manure and wood waste biochars accelerated the degradation of the biodegradable microplastics by altering soil chemistry and microbial activity. The findings suggest that biochar could be a useful tool for speeding up the decomposition of biodegradable plastic residues in agricultural soils.
Synthesis and Study of Fully Biodegradable Composites Based on Poly(butylene succinate) and Biochar
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Researchers synthesized poly(butylene succinate) biocomposites containing up to 5% biochar and found that incorporating biochar improved thermal stability and altered mechanical properties, offering a pathway to fully biodegradable materials that could help address microplastic pollution from conventional plastics.
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This study examined how blending poly(lactic acid), poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), and thermoplastic starch at different ratios affects the thermal and mechanical properties of biodegradable plastic composites. The results support the development of compostable alternatives to conventional single-use petroleum-based plastics.
Mechanical properties of fibre/ filler based poly(Lactic Acid) (Pla) composites : A brief review
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This review examines the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA)-based composites reinforced with natural fibers and fillers, presenting PLA as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics in applications ranging from agriculture to biomedical devices. Improving the strength and durability of bio-based plastics is essential for replacing petroleum-based materials that generate persistent microplastic pollution.
The Potential of Bio-Based Polylactic Acid (PLA) as an Alternative in Reusable Food Containers: A Review
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This review evaluates polylactic acid as a potential sustainable alternative to polypropylene in reusable food containers, examining its mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. Researchers found that while PLA has limitations including brittleness and heat sensitivity, these can be improved through blending with other biopolymers. The study compares PLA-based composites against conventional polypropylene and considers end-of-life options and commercial costs of making the switch.
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