The Need

The need for this technology arises from the limitations of existing bioplastics. While bioplastics show promise due to their renewable and biodegradable properties, they are often brittle and difficult to process, which restricts their use in various industrial applications. Despite efforts to address these shortcomings, further improvements are necessary to unlock the full potential of bioplastics.

The Technology

The technology offered is plasticized biopolymer compositions and their methods of production. The compositions include a biopolymer and a plasticizer, with the biopolymer capable of being any suitable biopolyester or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer. These biopolymers can comprise various monomers such as lactic acid, 3-hydroxypropionate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, and others. The plasticizer employed is an epoxidized biomass oil, extracted from biomass sources and subsequently epoxidized to enhance its properties.

Commercial Applications

The technology's versatile applications include its use in a variety of industries and products:

• Sustainable Packaging: The plasticized biopolymer compositions can be used to create eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging solutions, reducing the environmental impact of traditional plastics.
• Biodegradable Products: The compositions find application in manufacturing biodegradable single-use items like cutlery, straws, and food containers, reducing plastic waste in the environment.
• Agricultural Films: The technology enables the production of biodegradable agricultural films that can be used for mulching, reducing environmental pollution caused by conventional plastic films.

Benefits/Advantages

This innovative technology offers several benefits that set it apart from conventional plastics and existing bioplastics:

• Improved Mechanical Properties: The use of the epoxidized biomass oil as a plasticizer enhances the mechanical properties of the biopolymer, making it more durable and less brittle.
• Enhanced Processability: The technology improves the processability of bioplastics, enabling easier and more efficient manufacturing processes, thus opening up new possibilities for industrial applications.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: By utilizing biodegradable and renewable resources, the technology helps reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-based plastics, minimizing the overall environmental footprint.
• Customizable Compositions: The compositions can be tailored to meet specific requirements, allowing manufacturers to create a wide range of biodegradable products with varying properties.
• Compostable and Biodegradable: The resulting products are compostable and can be broken down by natural microorganisms, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

In conclusion, the plasticized biopolymer compositions and methods of making them address the commercial need for improved bioplastics with enhanced properties and processability. This technology presents various applications across industries, bringing several environmental and performance advantages that make it a promising choice for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.