A Comprehensive Review on the Emerging Roles of Nanofillers and Plasticizers towards Sustainable Starch-Based Bioplastic Fabrication

Polymers

Gek Cheng Ngoh¹  Steven Lim²  Yean Ling Pang²  Andri Andriyana³  Shiou Xuan Tan³  Hwai Chyuan Ong⁴ 

[1] Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43000, Malaysia;Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;Future Technology Research Center, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, 123 University Road, Section 3, Douliou, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan;

关键词: starch-based bioplastic;    nanofiller;    bioplastic fabrication;    plasticizer;    mechanism;   

DOI  :  10.3390/polym14040664

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Petroleum-based plastics are associated with environmental pollution problems owing to their non-biodegradable and toxic properties. In this context, renewable and biodegradable bioplastics possess great potential to replace petroleum-based plastics in mitigating these environmental issues. Fabrication of bioplastic films involves a delicate mixture of the film-forming agent, plasticizer and suitable solvent. The role of the plasticizer is to improve film flexibility, whereas the filler serves as a reinforcement medium. In recent years, much research attention has been shifted toward devising diverse methods for enhancing the performance of bioplastics, particularly in the utilization of environmentally benign nanoparticles to displace the conventional hazardous chemicals. Along this line, this paper presents the emergence of nanofillers and plasticizers utilized in bioplastic fabrication with a focus on starch-based bioplastics. This review paper not only highlights the influencing factors that affect the optical, mechanical and barrier properties of bioplastics, but also revolves around the proposed mechanism of starch-based bioplastic formation, which has rarely been reviewed in the current literature. To complete the review, prospects and challenges in bioplastic fabrication are also highlighted in order to align with the concept of the circular bioplastic economy and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

【 授权许可】

Unknown