Papers

20 results
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Article Tier 2

Study of structure and properties of biodegradable composite films based on thermoplastic starch

Researchers studied the structure and properties of biodegradable thermoplastic starch composites as potential replacements for conventional polyethylene plastics. Using starch — a natural, renewable polymer — as a filler in plastic films could reduce microplastic pollution by enabling faster environmental breakdown.

2023 E3S Web of Conferences
Article Tier 2

Introduction to Starch-Based Bioplastics

This review introduces starch-based bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel-derived plastics, examining the composition and properties of starch polymers. The study discusses how starch-based materials could help address microplastic pollution concerns associated with traditional plastics, though challenges remain in improving their mechanical strength and moisture resistance.

2026
Article Tier 2

Utilization 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.

2026
Article Tier 2

Sorbitol-Based Biodegradable Plastics from Rubberized Cassava Starch and Tofu Dregs Starch

Not relevant to microplastics — this study develops biodegradable plastic from cassava starch and tofu dregs with sorbitol as a plasticizer, focused on creating a petroleum-free alternative material rather than addressing microplastic contamination.

2024 Journal of Ecological Engineering 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Analysis of the microplastic emission potential of a starch-based biodegradable plastic material

Researchers developed a method to assess the microplastic emission potential of biodegradable starch-based plastics under environmental conditions, finding that even materials labeled biodegradable can fragment into persistent microplastic particles depending on environmental degradation pathways.

2022 Polymer Degradation and Stability 39 citations
Article Tier 2

A review of biodegradable thermoplastic starches, their blends and composites: recent developments and opportunities for single-use plastic packaging alternatives

This review analyzed how different plasticizers, compatibilizers, and essential oils affect biodegradable thermoplastic starch blends and composites. The study suggests these materials offer promising alternatives to single-use plastic packaging, highlighting recent developments in improving their mechanical and barrier properties.

2022 Green Chemistry 214 citations
Article Tier 2

Starch/Pectin as Emerging Renewable Materials for Fabrication of Sustainable Bioplastics for Food Packaging Applications

Not relevant to microplastics — this paper describes the development of biodegradable food packaging films made from plant-based starch, pectin, and chitosan, focused on replacing conventional plastics rather than studying their pollution.

2023 Research Square (Research Square)
Article Tier 2

A Study of Plant-Filled Polymer Composites Based on Highly Plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride

Not relevant to microplastics — this is a polymer materials study developing plant-filled PVC composites (using spruce flour, birch flour, and rice husk as fillers) to improve the ecological profile of PVC products, with testing of mechanical and thermal properties.

2024 Polymers 3 citations
Article Tier 2

A comprehensive review of food waste valorization for the sustainable management of global food waste

This review examines methods for turning food waste into valuable products as part of sustainable waste management. While not directly about microplastics, the topic is relevant because food waste and plastic waste are often mixed together in waste streams, and food packaging is a major source of microplastic contamination. Better food waste management could help reduce the spread of microplastics that often accompany food waste into the environment.

2023 Sustainable Food Technology 168 citations
Article Tier 2

The Production of High-Added-Value Bioproducts from Non-Conventional Biomasses: An Overview

This paper is not relevant to microplastics research — it is a broad review of biomass valorisation from food-processing residues for producing bioproducts, focused on circular economy applications in the food and materials sectors.

2023 Biomass 11 citations
Article Tier 2

Facile Strategy to Construct Metal–Organic Coordination Thermoplastic Starch with High Hydrophobicity, Glass-Transition Temperature, and Improved Shape Recovery

Researchers developed a biodegradable thermoplastic starch material enhanced with zinc acetate to improve its water resistance, heat tolerance, and mechanical strength. This work is relevant to developing plastic alternatives that could reduce the environmental burden of petroleum-based plastics.

2020 ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 29 citations
Systematic Review Tier 1

A Review on Biopolymer-Based Biodegradable Film for Food Packaging: Trends over the Last Decade and Future Research

This systematic review explores biodegradable packaging made from natural materials like starch and proteins as alternatives to conventional plastics. Reducing plastic packaging is important because traditional plastics break down into microplastics that contaminate food and the environment.

2023 Polymers 138 citations
Article Tier 2

The Effect of Elastomer Content and Annealing on the Physical Properties of Upcycled Polyethylene Terephthalate-Maleated Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene Blends for Additive Manufacturing

This paper is not relevant to microplastics research; it investigates the mechanical and rheological properties of recycled PET blended with a thermoplastic elastomer for use in 3D printing filaments, focusing on material performance rather than microplastic environmental impacts.

2024 Materials 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Synthesis and Production of Chemically Modified Bio-Based Adhesive from Cassava Root for Sustainable Industrial Applications

Despite its title referencing bio-based adhesive from cassava root, this paper studies the structural and performance properties of chemically modified starch as an alternative to synthetic glues — not microplastic pollution. It examines moisture resistance, bonding strength, and biodegradability for packaging and construction applications and is not relevant to microplastics or human health.

2026
Article Tier 2

Biodegradable trays made from Poraqueiba serícea Tulasne seed starch and Zea Mays cob flour

Not relevant to microplastics — this paper develops biodegradable food trays from Amazonian seed starch and corn cob flour as an alternative to petrochemical packaging, without addressing microplastic pollution.

2024 Scientia Agropecuaria 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Development of Eco-Friendly Silane-Treated Rice Flour/PBS Biocomposites with ENR-50 as a Compatibilizer: A Study on Phase Morphology, Properties and Biodegradation

Despite its title referencing biodegradable packaging, this paper studies the material properties of biocomposite films made from polybutylene succinate (PBS) and rice flour for use as food packaging — not microplastic pollution or health impacts. It examines how different filler amounts and compatibilizers affect mechanical and biodegradation properties and is only indirectly relevant to microplastics as an effort to replace conventional plastic packaging.

2025 Polymers 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Examination of injection moulded thermoplastic maize starch

This study examined how different injection molding conditions and storage methods affect the properties of thermoplastic maize starch, a biodegradable plastic alternative. Understanding how processing affects biodegradable plastic performance is relevant to developing better alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics.

2007 eXPRESS Polymer Letters 47 citations
Article Tier 2

Starch-based edible packaging: rheological, thermal, mechanical, microstructural, and barrier properties – a review

This review examines starch-based edible packaging as an alternative to conventional plastic packaging, looking at how oils and nanoparticles can improve these biodegradable films. While not directly about microplastic health effects, replacing traditional plastic packaging with edible, plant-based materials could significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that breaks down into microplastics. These alternatives could help decrease human exposure to microplastics from food packaging.

2024 Sustainable Food Technology 72 citations
Article Tier 2

Development and Characterization of Thermoformed Bilayer Trays of Paper and Renewable Succinic Acid Derived Biopolyester Blends and Their Application to Preserve Fresh Pasta

This paper is not about microplastics; it describes the development of sustainable bilayer food-packaging trays made from paper and bio-based biopolyester blends as alternatives to conventional plastic packaging.

2023 Materials 14 citations
Article Tier 2

Bio-nanocomposites films based on unmodified and modified thermoplastic starch reinforced with chemically modified nanoclays

Researchers developed biodegradable bio-nanocomposite films by combining chemically modified thermoplastic starch with functionalized nanoclays via reactive extrusion, demonstrating that both strategies synergistically reduce water sensitivity and improve mechanical and barrier properties — offering a pathway toward more stable, sustainable packaging materials that degrade without generating persistent plastic waste.

2023 Journal of Materials Science 18 citations