View in EDS

Enhancing compatibility and biodegradability of polylactic acid/biomass composites through torrefaction of forest residue

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Enhancing compatibility and biodegradability of polylactic acid/biomass composites through torrefaction of forest residue
Authors: June-Ho Choi, Myeong Rok Ahn, Chae-Hwi Yoon, Yeon-Su Lim, Jong Ryeol Kim, Hyolin Seong, Chan-Duck Jung, Sang-Mook You, Jonghwa Kim, Younghoon Kim, Hyun Gil Cha, Jae-Won Lee, Hoyong Kim
Source: Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, Vol 10, Iss 1, Pp 51-61 (2025)
Publisher Information: Elsevier BV, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Subject Terms: Bulk-loading filler, Polylactic acid composite, Hydrophobicity, Forest residue, QD415-436, Biochemistry, Torrefaction, Tensile strength
Description: This study investigated the effects of torrefaction on forest residue (FR) and its subsequent application as a bulk-loading filler in polylactic acid (PLA) composites. Torrefaction enhanced the chemical properties of FR, improving its compatibility with PLA, and the crystallinity increased from 24.9% to 42.5%. The process also improved the hydrophobicity of PLA/biomass composites, as demonstrated by the water contact angle of 76.1°, closely matching that of neat PLA (76.4°). With the introduction of 20% modified biomass properties after torrefaction treatment, the tensile strength of PLA/biomass composite increased from 58.7 to 62.3 MPa. Additionally, the addition of torrefied forest residue (TFR) accelerated biodegradation by increasing the onset of degradation and inhibiting crystallization. After 90 d, the biodegradability of PLA/biomass composites reached 94.9%, which had a 6.9% increase compared to the neat PLA (88.8%). Overall, this study highlights the potential of torrefaction in enhancing both the physical properties and biodegradability of PLA-based composites, contributing to a more sustainable approach to reducing plastic pollution.
Document Type: Article
Language: English
ISSN: 2369-9698
DOI: 10.1016/j.jobab.2024.10.003
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/7c6bef862eff4cdca5662717707b9134
Rights: CC BY NC ND
Accession Number: edsair.doi.dedup.....4aa46d6798f77df25c61926202483de3
Database: OpenAIRE
Description
Abstract:This study investigated the effects of torrefaction on forest residue (FR) and its subsequent application as a bulk-loading filler in polylactic acid (PLA) composites. Torrefaction enhanced the chemical properties of FR, improving its compatibility with PLA, and the crystallinity increased from 24.9% to 42.5%. The process also improved the hydrophobicity of PLA/biomass composites, as demonstrated by the water contact angle of 76.1°, closely matching that of neat PLA (76.4°). With the introduction of 20% modified biomass properties after torrefaction treatment, the tensile strength of PLA/biomass composite increased from 58.7 to 62.3 MPa. Additionally, the addition of torrefied forest residue (TFR) accelerated biodegradation by increasing the onset of degradation and inhibiting crystallization. After 90 d, the biodegradability of PLA/biomass composites reached 94.9%, which had a 6.9% increase compared to the neat PLA (88.8%). Overall, this study highlights the potential of torrefaction in enhancing both the physical properties and biodegradability of PLA-based composites, contributing to a more sustainable approach to reducing plastic pollution.
ISSN:23699698
DOI:10.1016/j.jobab.2024.10.003