Search results for "bio-based"

Mechanical characterization of bio-based composite/metal laminates for an application in street furniture

2019

In this work, it is proposed to study the influence of three manufacturing parameters in the development of bio-basedcomposite/steel hybrids. These parameters arethe methodof assembly between composite and metal, the distribution of composite and steellayers throughthe thicknessof the hybrid,and the stacking sequence of the composite part of the hybrid. The study was conducted through impact tests at different energies and quasi-static three-point bending tests. For each of these parameters, the influenceon the mechanical properties of the hybrid is evaluated.The results show that these properties depend essentially on the relative distribution of steel and composite through the thickness.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF BIO-BASED ASPHALT MIXTURES: LIFE CYCLE INVENTORY, LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Thermo-oxidative stabilization of poly(lactic acid)-based nanocomposites through the incorporation of clay with in-built antioxidant activity

2017

In this work, an innovative approach to overcome the issue of the poor thermo-oxidative stability of polymer/clay nanocomposites is proposed. Specifically, biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based nanocomposites, containing organo-modified clay with in-built antioxidant activity, were prepared. Through a two-step chemical protocol, a hindered phenol antioxidant was chemically linked to the ammonium quaternary salt which was then intercalated between the clay platelets [(AO)OM-Mt]. The nanocomposites were characterized and their thermo-oxidative stability during melt processing and under long-term thermal test conditions was investigated. PLA nanocomposites containing the (AO)OM-Mt showed…

Carvacrol affects interfacial, structural and transfer properties of chitosan coatings applied onto polyethylene

2012

Different chitosan coating solutions were tested with the aim of investigating their adhesion and wettability onto polyethylene film to improve packaging performance and provide antimicrobial properties. Surface wetting kinetics was monitored by contact angle measurements. Addition of ethanol and carvacrol improved wettability and adhesion of the thin chitosan layer. Structure, water vapour, O2, CO2 and air permeabilities of self supported chitosan films and coated polyethylene were determined. The formation of a thin chitosan layer on polyethylene improved gas barrier properties decreasing the Permeability Coefficient for oxygen and carbon dioxide ( [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text…

Natural phenolic compounds: Anti-oxidants or pro-oxidants for biopolyesters?

2018

In this work, different naturally occurring phenolic compounds, such as Thymol (Th), Vanillic acid (VA) and Ferulic Acid (FA), have been considered as UV stabilizers against the photo-oxidative degradation of polylactic acid (PLA). Particularly, in order to explore the effectiveness of the naturally occurring stabilizers, thin PLA-based films, containing different amount of the stabilizers, have been formulated and subjected to accelerate UVB exposure. The preliminary characterizations suggest that the all considered stabilizers exert a plasticizing action and the overall crystallinity of the samples is slightly reduced. If the considered stabilizers are added at low concentration, they exe…

A Review of Bioplastics and Their Adoption in the Circular Economy

2021

The European Union is working towards the 2050 net-zero emissions goal and tackling the ever-growing environmental and sustainability crisis by implementing the European Green Deal. The shift towards a more sustainable society is intertwined with the production, use, and disposal of plastic in the European economy. Emissions generated by plastic production, plastic waste, littering and leakage in nature, insufficient recycling, are some of the issues addressed by the European Commission. Adoption of bioplastics–plastics that are biodegradable, bio-based, or both–is under assessment as one way to decouple society from the use of fossil resources, and to mitigate specific environmental risks …

The Use of Opuntia ficus-indica Mucilage and Aloe arborescens as Edible Coatings to Improve the Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Properties of…

2022

Edible coatings (EC) with mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica or Aloe arborescens are promising to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut fruit products by reducing weight loss and microbial spoilage. In this work, fresh-cut kiwifruits (cv. Hayward) were coated in solutions with mucilage extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica (MC) and A. arborescens (AL). We used three alternative treatments with AL or MC, MC+AL, and with distilled water as control, and stored in passive atmosphere at 5 °C for 3, 5, 7, and 9 d, respectively. For all treatments at each storage period, firmness, weight loss, color, visual quality score, respiration rate, pectin content, and microbiological characteristics were observed…

Aloe-Based Edible Coating to Maintain Quality of Fresh-Cut Italian Pears (Pyrus communis L.) during Cold Storage

2021

Pear fruits are known for their antioxidant and nutritional characteristics. However, they are very susceptible to rapid decay. Edible coating (EC) represents a good strategy to maintain postharvest quality. The effects of two EC in slowing down the senescence processes in fresh-cut ‘Coscia’ pears were investigated: EC1 (A. vera gel, hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose and pomegranate seeds oil (PSO), EC2 (A. vera gel and hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose). Weight loss, firmness and colour decrease more slowly in both EC-treated than in untreated (CTR) slices; soluble solid content increases faster in CTR, indicating a faster ripening process. The specific investigation of undesired microorganisms di…

Thermal and hydrothermal ageing of bio-based composite/metal hybrid materials. Application to the development of ultra-light and durable street furni…

2021

In the perspectives of the future city, the progressive use of autonomous vehicles seems to become unavoidable. The preparation of an adequate framework for the deployment of this future mobility represents an important issue. This requires revisiting the urban infrastructures of cities from the choice of material to the design, and to propose solutions based on mobile street furniture. Faced with this challenge, hybrid materials such fibre metal laminates (FML) present interesting characteristics. FML made of plant fibre composites are of particular interest to minimize their environmental impact. Thus, the objective of this thesis is to design and manufacture plant-fibre metal laminates a…

Horizon scanning the European bio‐based economy: a novel approach to the identification of barriers and key policy interventions from stakeholders in…

2016

There is international recognition that developing a climate-smart bioeconomy is essential to the continuation of economic development, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and adaptation to climatic change; Bio-based products have an important role in making this transition happen. Supporting policy interventions have been put forward at European and national levels to support innovation and development of bio-based products and services. This study asks whether suggested policy interventions reflect the needs of stakeholders and examines how these needs vary between European regions. This consultation was performed through an online survey of 447 experts actively involved in bio-based r…