Novel Synthetic Bioplastic Protects against UV Radiation

Feb 20, 2020 by News Staff
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A team of researchers in Sweden has developed a new bioplastic that, unlike traditional carbon-based plastics or other bioplastics, provides protection from the ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The synthetic bioplastic developed by Kainulainen et al. Image credit: University of Oulu.

The synthetic bioplastic developed by Kainulainen et al. Image credit: University of Oulu.

“Use of biomasses as alternative feedstocks for chemicals is one of the most important aspects of reducing dependence on fossil-based resources,” said Dr. Juha Heiskanen and his colleagues from the University of Oulu, Tampere University of Technology, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

“Furans are key bio-based platform-chemicals, as they are readily prepared from monosaccharides, which plant-based biomasses contain in large quantities as two important polymerized forms, i.e. cellulose and hemicellulose.”

“Moreover, many industrial and agricultural processes result in by-products, e.g. sugar-cane bagasse or corncobs that are rich in cellulose and hemicellulose.”

The researchers developed a biomass-based copolymer whose bisfuran structure was found to effectively prevent UV radiation from passing through a film made from the material.

The transparency of the bioplastic is still good. In addition, the airtightness of the material is 3-4 times that of standard PET plastic.

Kainulainen et al synthesized new random copolyesters of poly(butylene furanoate) and poly(butylene bifuranoate). Image credit: Kainulainen et al, doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01447.

Kainulainen et al synthesized new random copolyesters of poly(butylene furanoate) and poly(butylene bifuranoate). Image credit: Kainulainen et al, doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01447.

“Our study shows that it is possible to develop bioplastics that have better properties than the fossil-based plastics that are currently produced,” the scientists said.

“For example, the new environmentally friendly bioplastic is suitable for protecting products from direct sunlight.”

“High-tech applications such as chassis materials for printed electronics also require advanced material protection features.”

The newly-developed biopolymer is based entirely on biomass.

“The raw materials used in production are hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural, which are biorefinery products derived from cellulose and hemicellulose,” the authors said.

“By chemically linking them, we were able to create copolymer parts with both bisfuran and furan-like structures. A patent application has been filed for this method.”

The team’s paper was published in the journal Biomacromolecules.

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Tuomo P. Kainulainen et al. 2020. Utilizing Furfural-Based Bifuran Diester as Monomer and Comonomer for High-Performance Bioplastics: Properties of Poly(butylene furanoate), Poly(butylene bifuranoate), and Their Copolyesters. Biomacromolecules 21 (2): 743-752; doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01447

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