The aim of this review is to show the relationships between the structure, the process, and the properties of biodegradable multiphase systems based on plasticized starch (PLS), the so‐called “thermoplastic starch.” These mutiphase materials are obtained when associating association between plasticized starches and other biodegradable materials, such as biodegradable polyesters [polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polylactic acid (PLA), polyesteramide (PEA), aliphatic, and aromatic copolyesters], or agro‐materials (ligno‐cellulosic fiber, lignin etc.). Depending on materials (soft, rigid) and the plastic processing system used, various structures (blends, composites, multilayers) can be obtained. The compatibility problematic between these hetero‐materials is analyzed. These starchy products show some interesting properties and have some applications in different fields: packaging, sports, catering, agriculture and gardening, or hygiene.

Biodegradable Multiphase Systems Based on Plasticized Starch: A Review

Future plastic materials will be very different from those that are used today The increasing importance of sustainability promotes the development of bio-based and biodegradable polymers, sometimes misleadingly referred to as ‘bioplastics’ Because both terms imply “green” sources and “clean” removal, this paper aims at critically discussing the sometimes-conflicting terminology as well as renewable sources with a special focus on the degradation of these polymers in natural environments With regard to the former we review innovations in feedstock development (eg microalgae and food wastes) In terms of the latter, we highlight the effects that polymer structure, additives, and environmental variables have on plastic biodegradability We argue that the ‘biodegradable’ end-product does not necessarily degrade once emitted to the environment because chemical additives used to make them fit for purpose will increase the longevity In the future, this trend may continue as the plastics industry also is expected to be a major user of nanocomposites Overall, there is a need to assess the performance of polymer innovations in terms of their biodegradability especially under realistic waste management and environmental conditions, to avoid the unwanted release of plastic degradation products in receiving environments

Environmental performance of bio-based and biodegradable plastics: the road ahead

Plastic packaging for food and non-food applications is non-biodegradable, and also uses up valuable and scarce non-renewable resources like petroleum. With the current focus on exploring alternatives to petroleum and emphasis on reduced environmental impact, research is increasingly being directed at development of biodegradable food packaging from biopolymer-based materials. The proposed paper will present a review of recent developments in biopolymer-based food packaging materials including natural biopolymers (such as starches and proteins), synthetic biopolymers (such as poly lactic acid), biopolymer blends, and nanocomposites based on natural and synthetic biopolymers. The paper will discuss the various techniques that have been used for developing cost-effective biodegradable packaging materials with optimum mechanical strength and oxygen and moisture barrier properties. This is a timely review as there has been a recent renewed interest in research studies, both in the industry and academia, towards development of a new generation of biopolymer-based food packaging materials with possible applications in other areas.

Recent Advances in Biopolymers and Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Materials

Reducing water absorption in compostable starch-based plastics

In recent years, there is a growing interest in studying the dielectric behavior of biopolymer composites due to their potential application as a dielectric material in various electronic devices such as microchips, transformers, and circuit boards. Conducting electroactive polymer composites have also been investigated for various potential applications which include biological, biomedical, flexible electrodes, display devices, biosensors, and cells for tissue engineering. In this chapter, the preparation and dielectric behavior of various biopolymer composites is presented. These biopolymer composites generally consist of nanoscale metal nanoparticles and carbon-based nanofillers such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide (GO), etc., dispersed into the polymer matrix. The physical and chemical properties of these fillers and their interactions with polymers have a significant effect on the microstructure and the final properties of nanocomposites. The biopolymer composites with excellent dielectric properties show great promise as an energy storage dielectric layer in high-performance capacitor applications such as embedded capacitors. This chapter highlights some of the examples of such biopolymer composites; their processing and dielectric behavior will be discussed in detail.

Biopolymer Composites With High Dielectric Performance: Interface Engineering

Two different biodegradable polyesters [polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV)] were blended with a maize starch that had high amylose content through the use different reactive approaches. The compatibilization of both systems was obtained. PCL/starch composites were obtained by the addition of a third reactive component that was able to act as a coupling agent, and the reactive interface of PHBV/starch composites was improved during blending with an organic peroxide. Thermal, morphological, and mechanical characterization showed that the compatibilized composite materials had better final proprieties than neat materials or composites prepared without compatibilization. Finally, the degradation of all prepared materials by a compost simulation test was investigated. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1432–1442, 2002

Raffaello Rimedio

Papers

Preparation of biodegradable polyesters/high-amylose-starch composites by reactive blending and their characterization