Evaluation of lignin addition on optical and mechanical properties of xylan-starch-PLA-based bioplastics

• Grant number: 22/15584-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: February 14, 2023
• End date: January 13, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal Investigator: Nelson Ramos Stradiotto
• Grantee: Rogerio Martins Vieira
• Supervisor: Peter Halley
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisa em Bioenergia (IPBEN). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Queensland, Brisbane (UQ), Australia
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/14965-1 - Fruit-refinery: obtention processes and chracterization methods, BP.DD

Abstract

The environmental impacts resulting from the accumulation of fossil-based plastics have been growing over the years. Thus, the development of bioplastics from lignocellulosic biomass appears as a sustainable alternative, due to its wide availability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low cost. The use of polysaccharides such as xylan and starch for the formulation of bioplastics has been evaluated, as has Polylactic Acid (PLA). However, there are some limitations related to their mechanical properties and hydrophilicity, which can be improved by the addition of other components. In this sense, lignin has received attention due to its amorphous and hydrophobic nature and high molecular weight, which can add value to bioplastics. Biopolymers will be combined by casting, extrusion and injection methods to evaluate the effect of lignin and xylan as additive. Therefore, the objective of this project is to evaluate the influence of lignin addition on xylan-starch-PLA-based bioplastics, as well as its UV-blocking and antioxidant capacity. (AU)