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Project

Tuning the biodegradability of (bio)polymers for more sustainable plastic applications (Tune2Bio)

Environmental problems resulting from the increasing amount of plastics produced each year, emphasise the importance of alternative and sustainable materials. Aliphatic and aromatic biopolyesters are an interesting category of bioplastics, which can either be biodegradable or bio-based. The ester linkages easily degrade when exposed to the appropriate environment, which is beneficial at end of life, but is undesirable during melt processing. Exposure of ester bonds to thermomechanical loading results in a decrease in molecular weight and negatively affects the material properties.

The aim of this research is to study, characterize and quantitatively model the degradation behaviour of a biopolyester during mechanical shear loading in the melt phase. By designing a numerical model, based on fundamental parameters (shear stress history, melt temperature history, moisture content and residence time), the degradation is quantified and predicted. Poly(lactic acid) or PLA is used as a case study and is processed on a single-screw extruder. This exposes the material to different thermomechanical loading conditions. The molecular weight is used as an indicator for the degradation of PLA. The results of this research create fundamental knowledge about degradation of biopolyesters, which is necessary to minimize degradation during melt processing. This makes biopolyesters more attractive to use and support the transition towards bio-based feedstock in a circular economy.

Date:24 Jul 2020 →  Today
Keywords:biodegradation, biodegradability, polymer, biopolymer, tune, polyester, fibre, filament, simulation, characterisation
Disciplines:Polymer processing, Polymers and plastics
Project type:PhD project