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Pectin–$${ ext{SiO}}_{2}$$ composites: Assessment some physical properties
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This study evaluated pectin films reinforced with silicon dioxide as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic food packaging, analyzing their mechanical strength, moisture content, aqueous solubility, and infrared spectra. Developing sustainable packaging materials directly addresses the food industry's role as the largest generator of plastic waste that fragments into microplastics contaminating landfills and ecosystems.
The food packaging industry is the largest contributor to global waste, often in the form of microplastics that accumulate in landfills and ecosystems, leading to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the death of living organisms. Therefore, there is a need for alternative, sustainable materials with mechanical and barrier properties that are equal to or better than those of conventional food packaging, in order to mitigate these harmful effects and decrease the unsustainable use of plastics. This article analyses the mechanical properties, moisture content, and aqueous solubility of silicon oxide-reinforced pectin films, along with their IR spectra, to assess their potential as viable food packaging materials.
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Cellulose, chitin and silk: the cornerstones of green composites
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Biopolymer composites made from cellulose, chitin/chitosan, and silk fibroin offer renewable, biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, with applications spanning textiles, medicine, food packaging, and fluid decontamination. As concern grows over microplastic contamination from conventional polymer degradation, these green composites represent a promising class of materials that could reduce future plastic pollution at the source.
Valorisation of pomelo peel waste for pectin-based bioplastic films: extraction optimization, film fabrication, and comprehensive characterization
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Researchers optimized pectin extraction from pomelo peel waste and fabricated flexible, biodegradable pectin-chitosan-sorbitol composite films with suitable moisture and solubility properties for sustainable food packaging. Replacing petroleum-based plastics with such biopolymer films directly addresses the generation of persistent microplastic contamination from conventional packaging materials.
Determination of Shear Strength at the Fiber–Matrix Interface in an Organic Plastic
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This paper describes a materials engineering technique for measuring fiber-matrix interfacial shear strength in para-aramid epoxy composites, reporting a limiting shear strength of 105.2 MPa. It concerns structural composite materials testing and is not related to environmental microplastic pollution or associated health risks.
Food Packaging Materials with Special Reference to Biopolymers-Properties and Applications
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This review examines food packaging materials with emphasis on biodegradable polymers such as PHA, PLA, and starch-based plastics, finding they outperform conventional non-biodegradable plastics in environmental impact while maintaining protective functionality. Replacing petroleum-based packaging with biodegradable alternatives directly reduces the source of microplastic contamination entering food systems and the broader environment.
Study of moisture absorption by an organoplastic
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A comprehensive study of moisture absorption in unidirectionally reinforced organoplastic composites found the process follows Fickian diffusion with sorbed moisture distributed in strongly and weakly bound states, enabling a hierarchical calculation method from component to laminate level. This characterization framework supports reliable prediction of moisture-induced property changes in aramid fiber composites for structural applications.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.