A Novel Environmentally Compatible Bio-Based Product from Gelatin and Natural Rubber: Physical Properties

The objective of the present work was to study the preparation of a novel bio-based product from gelatin (GT) and natural rubber (NR) using potassium persulphate (KPS) as an initiator. The GT and NR composites (GT/NR composites) containing KPS were formed in an aqueous latex solution. The chemical structure of the GT/NR composite was characterized by ATR-FTIR, and XRD. The highest tensile strength was observed in a 9/1 GT/NR composite and the elongation at break of this composite was improved by the addition of both NR and glycerol. In addition, the swelling ratio increased as a function of increasing GT content in the composite. The thermal stability of the GT was improved after the formation of the chemical interaction between the NR and GT helped by the KPS. The best ratio of the GT/NR composite was 3/7 GT/NR. This environmentally friendly composite easily decomposed in natural soil within 30 days. The novel biopolymer showed high mechanical properties, water resistance and was produced in an environmentally compatible process. The NR was able to improve some of the physical and mechanical properties of GT biofilms produced from the composite. Possible future applications of this composite are for medical materials, and the packaging and life extension of food products.     

Green Synthesis and Physical Properties of poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Maleated in an Aqueous Solutions

The objective of this work was to synthesize maleated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAM) in aqueous solution through esterification, and to seek near optimal degree of grafting and crosslinking. The effects of maleic anhydride (MA) content on the properties of PVAM were investigated. The experimental observations included characterizations by ATR–FTIR and thermo gravimetric analyses (TGA), and determinations of grafting ratio, dynamic viscosity, and swelling ratio. The percentage degree of grafting, dynamic viscosity, and particle size increased with MA content, while the swelling ratio decreased due to copolymerization of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and MA. The peaks at 945 and 918 cm^?1 in the spectrum of PVA indicated the presence of carboxylic groups, while in the spectrum of PVAM only one peak at 920 cm^?1 indicated presence of carboxylic groups, due to copolymerization of PVA and MA. Moreover, the thermal stability of PVA-g-MA was enhanced as observed from TGA. The results suggest 7:3 PVA/MA mass ratio as near optimal for PVA-g-MA.     

Structural and Thermal Characteristics of Novel Organosolv Lignins Extracted from Thai Biomass Residues: A Guide for Processing

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - This work was the first to reveal structural and thermal characteristics of biomass lignins obtained from Thai agricultural residues; bagasse (BG),...