Abstract Plasticulture improves crop quality and yield through polymeric films, but their improper disposal harms the environment due to humidity and contamination. This study aimed to develop biodegradable mulch films using soybean and peanut hulls and poly (butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The residues were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and mulch films were evaluated by water absorption, contact angle and mechanical properties. The thermal behavior of the residues indicated stability below 200ºC. The agro-waste improved hydrophobicity but increased the water absorption values of the films by up to 18.5x (PBAT/SH5 after 14 days). Micrographs obtained by scanning electron microscopy indicated an important distribution of residue particles and formation of agglomerates, leading to lower mechanical performance. The study found that agro-industrial residues in powder form can be added to the polymeric matrix to produce biodegradable mulch films through traditional processing techniques. This approach has the potential to contribute to a more sustainable production system.

Abstract In this study, green high-density polyethylene (GHDPE) composites with 5, 10 and 15% natural powdered cork (CP) with and without 5% maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) were developed in order to evaluate the potential of these materials for civil construction applications. The composites were produced in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and injection molded. An impedance tube was used to determine the acoustic behavior of the composites, which were then used as ceiling tiles in prototypes of provisional constructions in order to study ascertain their performance with respect to thermal comfort in the City of Teresina, PI - Brazil. Our data indicates that composites sound absorption coefficient values are good between 500 and 1200 Hz, especially for those with a higher percentage of cork, with the lowest absorption rate observed for composites containing PE-g-MA. The composites used in the prototypes provided a decrease in the internal temperature of the built structure.

The present work investigates the aquatic biodegradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)/nanoclay bionanocomposites containing PP-g-MA as compatibilizing agent. Both pristine and organically modified (Cloisite20A®) montmorillonite clay were used as fillers in different content (1 and 3 wt%). The bionanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalation in a single screw extruder. There after films (50x50x0.5mm) were prepared by compression and assessed by X-ray diffraction. Aquatic biodegradation of the films was appraised by visual inspection, optical microscopy, counting and identification of bacteria. Results proposed that the water of the Parnaíba River in the city of Teresina (Piauí, Brazil) has microorganisms (Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) capable of degrading these bionanocomposite films, particularly the films with 3 wt% organoclay. Our data indicated the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa degraded dexterously all the films. This work collaborates with the preservation of the environment and expands the use of bionanocomposites in expendable items with the development of films with properties favorable to biodegradation in aquatic environments. It is believed that PHB/clay/PP-g-MA films emerge as a promising alternative for the packaging industry.

This work developed ternary films based on Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA), Cloisite 30B (C30B) and Oregano Essential Oil (OEO) as proposal to be applied in food packaging. The films thus manufactured were unscathed, with reduced surface defects. Their thickness and moisture content varied according to the composition and content of each component in the formulation. Optical micrographs indicated a homogeneous morphology, with good distribution of clay in the matrix. FTIR data confirms the incorporation of OEO into the films. TGA analysis indicated that the thermal stability of the films was not significantly affected by the incorporation of C30B and OEO. OEO incorporation did not promote an efficient antimicrobial action which is probably due to its retention by the clay. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. The combination between C30B and OEO in the PLA polymeric matrix is a promising proposal.

RESUMO Com o agravamento dos problemas ambientas causados pela má gestão de resíduos sólidos, os polímeros biodegradáveis surgem como alternativas de materiais sustentáveis que podem de minimizar o impacto ambiental. Diante da demanda urgente por produtos sustentáveis, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver filmes a base poli (ácido láctico) (PLA) e a proteína isolada de soja (SPI) via extrusão plana para estudo como potencial aplicação em embalagens para alimentos. Os filmes foram produzidos em cinco diferentes formulações: a matriz pura de PLA como filme controle; PLA com 3 e 5% da proteína isolada de soja, PLA com 3 e 5% da proteína isolada de soja com o acréscimo de 1,5% de glicerol, e analisados via termogravimetria, espectroscopia de infravermelho, transmitância por UV-vis e ângulo de contato. O resultados indicaram que a inserção dos componentes à matriz de PLA levou a redução da estabilidade térmica dos filmes, que também não apresentaram interação química entre os seus componentes. As partículas de soja, melhor dispersas na matriz em função da presença do plastificantes, auxiliaram na redução da transmitância dos filmes, e na formação de sistemas hidrofílicos.

ABSTRACT With the worsening of environmental problems caused by poor solid waste management, biodegradable polymers emerge as alternatives for sustainable materials that can minimize environmental impact. In view of the urgent demand for sustainable products, this study aimed to develop films based on poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and isolated soy protein (SPI) via flat extrusion for study as a potential application in food packaging. The films were produced in five different formulations: the pure PLA matrix as a control film; PLA with 3 and 5% of the isolated soy protein, PLA with 3 and 5% of the isolated soy protein with the addition of 1.5% glycerol, and analyzed via thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, UV-vis transmittance and angle contact. The results indicated that the insertion of the components in the PLA matrix led to a reduction in the thermal stability of the films, which also did not show chemical interaction between their components. The soy particles, better dispersed in the matrix due to the presence of plasticizers, helped in reducing the transmittance of the films, and in the formation of hydrophilic systems.

Abstract In this work, nanocomposites were developed and evaluated using high-density bio polyethylene (BPEAD)/Cloisite 20A (3 and 6%)/commercial antimicrobial additive (0,5 and 1%) containing 1% of zinc pyrithione dispersed in vinyl acetate (EVA). The samples were prepared in a single screw extruder using the melt intercalation technique and then by flat extrusion to obtain the films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed an increase in basal spacing and exfoliation of the structure of some films. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis illustrated the main functional groups for BHDPE and EVA. Thermal analysis indicated that BHDPE degradation did not change with organoclay addition, but crystallinity increased. The mechanical properties showed an increase in the elastic modulus and a decrease in maximum tensile strength. This work contributes to the development and improvement of the natural properties of BHDPE in order to enlarge its applications.

Resumo Compósitos de polietileno verde e argila vermiculita foram desenvolvidos por meio da técnica de intercalação por fusão com o objetivo de investigar seu potencial uso como material de construção. Os compósitos foram processados em uma extrusora monorosca e moldados em uma termoprensa hidráulica. Para este trabalho, foram analisadas a resistência à propagação de chamas e os efeitos do envelhecimento natural do polietileno verde e seus compósitos. Amostras foram expostas a um ensaio de degradação abiótica durante 90 dias como forma de avaliar os efeitos das condições climáticas na morfologia e nas propriedades mecânicas do material. O teste de inflamabilidade evidenciou o efeito catalítico da argila, uma vez que para todos os compósitos avaliados, a resistência à propagação de chamas foi inferior em relação ao polímero verde puro. Os efeitos do envelhecimento natural na morfologia dos materiais foram caracterizados pela transição da matriz polimérica de um aspecto dúctil para uma aparência mais frágil e o aparecimento de vazios e de fraturas internas. Em virtude disso, o desempenho mecânico dos sistemas foi diretamente afetado, como resultado de diversos tipos de degradação abiótica sofrida pelas amostras.

Abstract Green polyethylene and vermiculite clay composites were developed through the fusion intercalation technique with the aim of investigating their potential use as a building material. The composites were processed in a single screw extruder and molded in a hydraulic thermopress. For the purpose of this study, flame propagation resistance and the natural aging effects of green polyethylene and its composites were analyzed. The samples were exposed to the abiotic degradation test for 90 days with the aim of assessing the effects of climate conditions on the material’s morphology and mechanical properties. The flammability test demonstrated the catalytic effect of the clay, since for all composites evaluated, the flame propagation resistance was inferior to that of the pure green polymer. The effects of natural aging on the morphology of the materials were characterized by the transition of the polymeric matrix from a ductile aspect to a more fragile appearance and the emergence of voids and internal fractures Hence, the mechanical performance of the systems was directly affected, as a result of several types of abiotic degradation suffered by the samples.

Abstract Polymer processing parameters may considerably affect final product characteristic as, if properly chosen, these parameters may lead to products with optimal properties. The aim of this work is to evaluate the rheological characteristics of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by torque rheometry, as well as to estimate its incipient degradation rate during processing in an internal laboratory mixer. In order to estimate the temperature coefficient of the viscosity (β), and the pseudoplasticity index (n) of PET, two sets of experiments need to be performed. In the first one, the polymer is processed at three different temperatures at a single rotor speed for 10 min, getting temperature coefficient of the viscosity equal to β = 0.053 °C-1. In the second set of experiments, the resin (PET) is processed at a single temperature at six different rotor speeds for the same time interval and the pseudoplasticity index was determined, n = 0.78. From the results obtained, it is possible to indicate the internal mixer as an equipment not only for mixing polymers or composites, but as a tool for determining important rheological variables for predicting degradative processes.

Abstract The use of polymer blends and composites based on fossil-based and bio-based polymers has become an important environmentally protective alternative for common use and disposable plastics applications such as packaging, bottles and trays. The disposal of these more degradable products, however, may also harm the environment and, therefore, recycling these systems becomes relevant. Recycling involves reprocessing which can significantly change the morphology and properties of polymeric products. Therefore, this study deals with the effects of reprocessing cycles on the properties and morphology of blends and nanocomposites based on fossil and bio-based polymers. The systems investigated were: a) neat polypropylene (PP), b) a polypropylene/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PP/PHB) blend and c) PP/PHB/organoclay nanocomposite compatibilized with polypropylene-g-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) and erucamide. These materials were submitted to up to seven extrusion cycles in a single screw extruder operating at 60 rpm. Samples were taken after the first, third, fifth and seventh extrusion cycles and their tensile properties and morphology were determined. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that two phases were observed in the blend which showed spherical PHB domains. The addition of clay, PP-g-MA and erucamide improved the adhesion between the nanocomposites components. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that crystallinity tended to increase with the number of reprocessing cycles for all systems investigated up to the fifth cycle and then tended to decrease. A 10% crystallinity increase was observed for neat PP in the fifth cycle. In general, the tensile properties of all systems decreased with reprocessing and the highest losses were observed for the PP/PHB blend after seven processing cycles with 50% and 37% decreases in stress at break and elastic modulus, respectively. Impact strength of the PP matrix and of the PP/PHB blend tended to decrease with reprocessing, except for the nanocomposite which showed a slight increase especially after the seventh processing cycle in which an 18% increase in impact strength was observed.

Abstract This study aims to evaluate the effects of natural weathering in the city of Teresina, State of Piauí, Brazil, on the morphology and mechanical properties of eco-composites based on high-density green polyethylene, powdered cork and compatibilizer processed in a twin-screw extruder and injection molded. The analyses revealed that although weathering induced surface bleaching of eco-composites and cracking, these effects were not intense in the compatibilized samples. The tensile properties of the investigated materials were affected by abiotic degradation, which led to a reduction of the tensile strength and elastic deformation of the eco-composites, however, the incorporation of PEgMA was fundamental for the maintenance of mechanical performance after natural aging. In general, the results obtained were satisfactory for external applications of the compatibilized eco-composite with 15% cork in the proposed weathering range, which indicates its possible use in temporary constructions.

Polymeric syntactic foams are composites made from the mixture of Hollow Glass Microspheres (HGM) and polymer matrices. One of their main characteristics is their low density and the production of these composites using a matrix derived from renewable sources potentiates their development without neglecting sustainability. In this paper , the properties of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/HGM syntactic foams containing 1% and 5% w/w HGM and 5% w/w of a compatibilizer are assessed. The composites were prepared by two processing routes: single screw extruder and twin screw extruder. The morphology and mechanical properties (tensile and impact) of the syntactic foams thus manufactured were ascertained. Morphological analysis indicated that matrix/filler adhesion was poor for all samples and that the best HGM dispersions were obtained in twin screw extruded samples. Mechanical properties were affected by the processing route adopted and by the content of hollow glass microspheres added. Elastic modulus, tensile strength and strain were reduced by 20, 10 and 23%, respectively, in systems processed in a twin screw extruder. Impact strength was the exception, with an increase of more than 300%. Higher contents of hollow glass microspheres led to reductions in mechanical strength of the syntactic foams, varying from 5% for the elastic modulus to 50% for strain.

The population increase, urbanization and climatic change adversely affect the agricultural production have prompted actions to improve the means of production without affecting the environment. One of the actions to make the production of food more efficient and sustainable is the use of plastics in protection of crops, soils and packaging, for example. Therefore, the aim of this work was to develop flat extruded mulch films of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/2.5 and 5.0% sugar cane residue/2.0% carnauba wax for application in soil cover and characterize them as to their chemical structure, morphology and transmittance. The FTIR results suggest that there was no chemical interaction between the components of the mulch films. SEM images and optical microscopy showed that the polymer matrix was able to cover sugarcane residues and that the carnauba wax dispersed well in the PBAT matrix. In addition, carnauba wax addition increased the transmittance of these mulch films.

RESUMO Neste trabalho foram desenvolvidos compósitos poliméricos epoxídicos laminados a base de cortiça e microesferas ocas de vidro. Os compósitos laminados foram confeccionados manualmente e avaliados quanto às características morfológicas em microscópio eletrônico de varredura e a influência da incorporação das cargas foi avaliada por meio da densidade e da resistência à flexão. De um modo geral, foi observada boa dispersão tanto do pó de cortiça como das microesferas ocas de vidro nas camadas centrais do laminado, porém os núcleos a base de cortiça apresentaram melhor adesão à matriz. Foi observada ainda a redução na densidade de todos os compósitos com relação à matriz pura e que os módulos de flexão dos compósitos a base de cortiça e os com microesferas ocas de vidro, mesmo com valores próximos, foram superiores ao módulo de flexão do sistema epóxi puro. Compósitos laminados com núcleo com incorporação de cortiça poderão ser aplicados como alternativa onde houver a necessidade de redução de peso e também onde houver a expectativa de solicitações de flexão superiores às suportadas pela resina pura.

ABSTRACT In this work, epoxy polymer composites laminated with cork and hollow glass microspheres were developed. The laminated composites were manually made and evaluated for the morphological characteristics of the scanning electron microscope and the influence of the incorporation of the fillers was evaluated by means of density and flexural strength. In general, good dispersion of both the cork powder and the hollow glass microspheres was observed in the central layers of the sheet, but the cork-based cores presented better adhesion to the matrix. It was also observed the reduction in the density of all the composites with respect to the pure matrix and that the flexural modulus of cork-based composites and those with hollow microspheres of glass, even with close values, were superior to modulus of bending of the pure epoxy system. Core laminates with cork incorporation may be applied as an alternative where weight reduction is required and also where there is the expectation of bending stresses higher than those supported by the pure resin.

RESUMO O Polietileno (PE) Verde é um polímero sintético que apresenta baixa energia superficial, que resulta em fraca propriedade de adesão. Esta baixa adesão, provoca alguns problemas relativos às aplicações práticas dos polímeros, como fraca aderência de tintas de impressão, revestimentos, adesivos e metais à superfície do polímero, entre outros. Uma maneira de alterar essa propriedade é por meio da aplicação de um tratamento por plasma. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi preparar, via extrusão plana, filmes de biocompósitos com matriz de PE Verde (PEPURO) e carga de argila Vermiculita Expandida (VMT) no teor de 1%. Os filmes foram tratados por plasma em duas condições distintas: sob atmosfera de Oxigênio (O2) (C1); e sob atmosfera correspondendo a mistura de Argônio/Hidrogênio (Ar/H2) e um posterior tratamento por plasma sob atmosfera de O2 (C2). Os resultados indicaram que os tratamentos a plasma e a incorporação de VMT aumentaram a hidrofilicidade dos filmes, sendo que a aplicação da condição 2 (C2) mostrou-se de maneira mais eficiente. O PEPURO não tratado apresentou redução significativa de resistência máxima a tração com a inserção de VMT, já com a aplicação dos tratamentos (C1 e C2) os valores de resistência foram superiores. Em relação à rugosidade foi possível verificar que a aplicação do plasma aumentou a rugosidade na superfície das amostras. Estes resultados indicaram que o aumento da hidrofilicidade e da rugosidade resultaram em um aumento significativo na interação de fluidos com a superfície e também melhora das características adesivas do polímero.

ABSTRACT Green Polyethylene (PE) is a synthetic polymer that has low surface energy, which results in poor adhesion properties. This factor causes some problems regarding the practical applications of polymers, such as poor adherence of printing inks, coatings, adhesives and metals to the surface of the polymer, among others. One way to alter this property is by applying a plasma treatment. In this sense, the objective of this work was to prepare, by flat extrusion, biocomposite films with Green PE matrix (PEPURO) and load of Expanded Vermiculite Clay (VMT) in the 1% content. The films were treated by plasma under two different conditions: under O2 atmosphere (C1); (Ar/H2) and a subsequent treatment by plasma under O2 (C2) atmosphere. The results indicated that the plasma treatments and the incorporation of VMT increased the hydrophilicity of the films, and the application of condition 2 (C2) was shown more efficiently. The untreated PEPURO presented a significant reduction of maximum tensile strength with the insertion of VMT, already with the application of treatments (C1 and C2) the resistance values were higher. In relation to the roughness it was possible to verify that the application of the plasma increased the surface roughness of the samples. These results indicated that increased hydrophilicity and roughness resulted in a significant increase in the interaction of fluids with the surface and also improvement of the adhesive characteristics of the polymer.

Polyethylene (PE) is a polymer that has a low adhesion property, which is related to its low surface energy. However, the plasma treatment aims the modification of the surface properties without affecting the polymer structure. In this sense, the objective of this work was to prepare biocomposite films via flat extrusion with Green PE matrix and Expanded Vermiculite Clay (VMT), contents of 1, 3 and 6%. The films were treated by plasma in two different ways: Oxygen (O2) atmosphere (Condition 1); and Argon/Hydrogen (Ar/H2) atmosphere followed by a plasma treatment under O2 atmosphere (Condition 2). The results of the contact angle measurements indicated that the incorporation of VMT and the conditions used for plasma treatment increased the films wettability due to the hydrophilic character of VMT and also as a consequence of the plasma. In contrast, the XRD diffractograms indicated that there were no significant changes in the films structure.