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Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Influence of the microstructure in the biodegradability process of eco‐friendly materials based on polylactic acid and mango seed for food packaging to minimize microplastic generation
ClearUtilization of Mango Seed Starch in the Manufacture of Polyester-Based Bioplastics
This materials science paper is not primarily about environmental microplastics; it investigates using mango seed starch as a filler in polyester-based bioplastic composites, aiming to produce biodegradable plastics from agricultural waste as a more sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics.
Mechanical, structural, and biodegradability properties of bioplastics from tamarind seed starch
Researchers synthesised bioplastics from tamarind seed starch and characterised their mechanical, structural, and biodegradability properties as a sustainable alternative to synthetic plastics. The study demonstrated that tamarind starch-based bioplastics exhibit adequate mechanical performance and substantially faster biodegradation compared to conventional plastics, reducing the risk of microplastic accumulation in the environment.
Mechanical properties of fibre/ filler based poly(Lactic Acid) (Pla) composites : A brief review
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 Optimization of Avocado-Seed-Starch-Based Degradable Plastic Synthesis with a Polylactic Acid (PLA) Blend Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Researchers optimized the synthesis of biodegradable plastic from avocado seed starch, evaluating formulation variables to maximize mechanical strength, flexibility, and degradation rate for potential packaging applications.
Biocomposites and Poly(lactic acid) in Active Packaging: A Review of Current Research and Future Directions
This review examines how bio-based and biodegradable materials, especially polylactic acid (PLA), are being developed as sustainable alternatives for food packaging. While these materials aim to reduce petroleum-based plastic pollution, the review notes that biodegradable plastics can still break down into microplastics during their degradation process. Understanding the full lifecycle of these alternative materials is important for determining whether they truly reduce microplastic contamination.
On the Mechanical, Thermal and Biodegradation of Jackfruit Seed Starch Bioplastic
Researchers created bioplastic from jackfruit seed starch with glycerol as a plasticizer and optimized the ratio to achieve better mechanical, thermal, and biodegradable properties. Plant-based bioplastics could help reduce dependence on petroleum-based plastics that persist in the environment as microplastics.
Development of Biodegradable Films from Carrot, Guava, and Banana Peel Fibers for Environmental Packaging Applications
Despite its classification in this database, this study develops biodegradable packaging films from fruit and vegetable fibers rather than investigating microplastic pollution directly. Films made from 60% guava fiber with 1.8% alginate showed the best mechanical properties and highest soil degradation rate, offering a potential alternative to conventional plastic packaging.
Changes in the Thermal and Structural Properties of Polylactide and Its Composites During a Long-Term Degradation Process
Researchers studied the long-term degradation of polylactide (PLA) composites to understand how their thermal and structural properties change over time. The findings indicate that as PLA breaks down during composting, there is potential for microplastic formation, and the rate of decomposition varies depending on the composite composition.
The Potential of Bio-Based Polylactic Acid (PLA) as an Alternative in Reusable Food Containers: A Review
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.
Xyloglucan films from tamarind kernels reinforced with chemically modified cellulose nanospheres
Researchers developed biodegradable films from tamarind kernel xyloglucan reinforced with chemically modified cellulose nanospheres as an alternative to conventional plastic food packaging. The bio-based films showed improved mechanical and barrier properties, offering a renewable approach to reducing microplastic and nanoplastic generation from the food packaging sector.
Properties of polylactic acid and biochar-based composites for environment-friendly plant containers
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.
Bio-Adhesives Combined with Lotus Leaf Fiber to Prepare Bio-Composites for Substituting the Plastic Packaging Materials
Researchers prepared biodegradable composite packaging materials by combining natural bio-adhesives with lotus leaf fiber, testing mechanical and thermal properties. Natural fiber composites offer an alternative to petroleum-based plastic packaging that would not generate persistent microplastic pollution.
Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) Nanocomposites: Effect of Inorganic Nanoparticles Reinforcement on Its Performance and Food Packaging Applications
This review summarized approaches to reinforcing polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic with inorganic nanoparticles — including clay, silica, and metal oxides — to improve its mechanical strength, barrier properties, and thermal stability for food packaging applications while retaining biodegradability.
Bilayer Films of Poly(lactic acid) and Cottonseed Protein for Packaging Applications
Researchers produced bilayer films combining polylactic acid with cottonseed protein isolate for food packaging applications and found that the bilayer design improved mechanical and barrier properties compared to single-layer PLA films while maintaining biodegradability.
State of the art on biodegradability of bio-based plastics containing polylactic acid
This review examines whether bio-based plastics made from polylactic acid (PLA) actually break down in the environment as intended. While certain microorganisms can degrade PLA, the process is slow and depends heavily on conditions like temperature and moisture. The findings matter because if bio-based plastics do not fully break down, they can still fragment into microplastics, posing many of the same environmental and health risks as conventional plastics.
Enhanced Degradability, Mechanical Properties, and Flame Retardation of Poly(Lactic Acid) Composite with New Zealand Jade (Pounamu) Particles
Not directly relevant to microplastics — this paper investigates adding New Zealand jade particles to polylactic acid (PLA) to improve mechanical strength, flame resistance, and degradation rate of a biodegradable plastic composite.
Reed Fiber as a Sustainable Filler for Tuning the Biodegradability of Polylactic acid Composites
Researchers prepared reed fiber/polylactic acid (PLA/RF) composite films via melt blending and blow molding, finding that increasing reed fiber content tuned the biodegradation rate of PLA in the presence of proteinase K, with DSC, SEM, and FTIR analyses revealing changes in crystallization behavior and surface morphology during enzymatic degradation.
Bio-based and Sustainable Food Packaging Technology: Relevance, Challenges and Prospects
A review assessed bio-based and sustainable food packaging technologies, evaluating their relevance as replacements for conventional plastic packaging that generates microplastic pollution. The study identifies the most promising materials and the barriers to scaling up plastic-free food packaging.
Modification of Poly(lactic acid) by the Plasticization for Application in the Packaging Industry
Researchers investigated the modification of poly(lactic acid) through plasticization to improve its mechanical properties for use in packaging industry applications as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics.
Polylactic acid synthesis, biodegradability, conversion to microplastics and toxicity: a review
Researchers reviewed polylactic acid (PLA), a popular plant-based "biodegradable" plastic used in packaging and agriculture, finding that while it breaks down inside the body, it does not fully degrade under natural outdoor or aquatic conditions — and in fact fragments into microplastics faster than conventional petroleum-based plastics. This challenges the assumption that bioplastics are a straightforward environmental solution.
The Hydrolytic Behavior of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Polystyrene‐ Grafted‐Hectorite Nanocomposite Films and Its Regulatory Mechanism on Microplastics
Researchers tested how polylactic acid (PLA) films and PLA/hectorite nanocomposite films degrade in aqueous solutions of different pH levels. The nanocomposite films degraded more slowly and released fewer microplastic fragments than pure PLA, suggesting that clay mineral incorporation could reduce secondary microplastic generation from biodegradable plastics.
Strengthening effect of pea dietary fiber on mechanical properties and degradability of polylactic acid
Researchers incorporated pea dietary fiber into polylactic acid (PLA) plastic to improve its mechanical strength and degradability. Strengthening biodegradable plastics without adding conventional plastic additives is important for developing truly compostable alternatives that don't generate persistent microplastic fragments.
Plásticos biodegradables, una alternativa a los empaques alimentarios actuales
This Spanish-language review examines biodegradable polymers as alternatives to conventional plastic food packaging, covering materials like starch, cellulose, gelatin, chitosan, polylactic acid (PLA), and polyvinyl alcohol. It describes the mechanical and functional properties of packaging films made from each material and discusses their suitability for different food applications. The paper is directly relevant to reducing plastic packaging waste and the downstream microplastic pollution it generates.
The Unique Morphology of Coconut Petiole Fibers Facilitates the Fabrication of Plant Composites with High Impact Performance
This paper is not relevant to microplastics; it investigates the mechanical and structural properties of coconut petiole fiber composites with polylactic acid (PLA) for manufacturing applications.