(614e) Production and Evaluation of Bioplastic Blends from Phbv, PCL, Epoxidized Natural Rubber and Lignin

Biodegradable polymers, from biological sources such as as poly(3-
hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and petroleum based sources
such as poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), have been shown to be effective in solving
many of the problems with current commercial plastics, including greenhouse
gas emissions, continued stability of fossil fuels and concerns related to end of
life. Lignin, a by-product of the paper and cellulosic ethanol industries, has
recently received attention in biomaterials and chemical applications due to its
favorable polyphenolic structure and large quantity of available functional
groups. Because of the widespread nature of the pulp and paper industry, the
most commonly available form of lignin is the kraft lignin, a byproduct refined
from the black liquor stage of the pulping process. The main challenge
associated with composites of biopolymers and lignin the appearance brittle
behavior caused by the presence of lignin in the polymer matrix. In this study
small quantities of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) have been compounded
with the bioplastic blends to operate as an impact modifying agent.
Characterization of these bioplastic blends was performed through mechanical
testing (tensile, flexural test and impact tests) and thermal properties of the
bioplastic blends. The emphasis of this study was improving the impact
resistance of lignin-biopolymer blends.

The Researchers acknowledge the financial support from the Natural Sciences
and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Biomaterials and Chemicals
Network.