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Title Biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate foams: Investigating sustainability via reprocessing and green solvent
ID_Doc 34
Authors Lima, GDR; Hobbenschot, SFH; Mukherjee, A; Parisi, D; Picchioni, F; Bose, RK
Published Journal Of Applied Polymer Science, 141, 35
Structure Here are the sections of the article analyzed with two sentences each:

Introduction

The article discusses the importance of incorporating sustainability into polymer production, particularly in the context of biodegradable polymers like polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT). PBAT is a biodegradable polyester with unique mechanical properties in solid and molten states, making it suitable for various applications such as biomedical, packaging, agriculture, and industrial uses.

Materials and Methods

The article describes the experimental design, including the use of different equipment such as a mixer, extruder, and batch reactor, to investigate the effects of reprocessing and processing conditions on PBAT. The processing conditions, including temperature, time, and shear rate, were varied to evaluate their impact on the material's properties.

Thermal Degradation

The article presents the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments, which reveal that PBAT undergoes thermal degradation, leading to changes in its molecular weight and crystallinity. The degradation process is influenced by temperature and processing conditions, with slower crystallization observed at higher temperatures.

Environmental Influences

The article discusses the effects of environmental factors, such as oxidation and hydrolysis, on PBAT, which can lead to degradation and changes in its properties. The results of rheological studies show that PBAT is not significantly affected by oxidation, but its complex viscosity decreases in the presence of moisture.

Processing

The article examines the effects of processing conditions, including shear rate, residence time, and temperature, on PBAT's properties, such as viscosity and mechanical strength. The results show that changes in processing conditions can lead to significant degradation of PBAT, including a decrease in molecular weight and changes in its mechanical properties.

Foaming Process with Carbon Dioxide

The article presents the results of foaming experiments using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) to produce PBAT foam. The foaming process is shown to lead to changes in the material's morphology and mechanical properties, including a decrease in compressive modulus and an increase in open cells within the foam.

Conclusion

The article concludes that PBAT is a promising material for sustainable foam production, with the ability to withstand multiple reprocessing cycles and maintain its mechanical properties. The study highlights the importance of considering environmental factors, such as moisture, and processing conditions in the production of sustainable polymers.

Author Contributions

The article lists the authors and their contributions to the study, including the conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis, and writing of the article.

Acknowledgments

The article acknowledges the financial support of the SNN (Northern Netherlands Alliance) and the Province of Groningen, as well as the industrial partner Foamplant BV.

Supporting Information

The article provides additional information, including tables, figures, and text, which support the results of the study.

References

The article lists a selection of references cited in the study, covering topics such as polymer degradation, recycling, and sustainability.

How to Cite This Article

The article provides a citation guide, including the DOI and journal information, to help readers cite the article properly.
Summary The study investigates the effects of reprocessing on the mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) foams. PBAT is a biodegradable polymer that exhibits unique mechanical properties and is widely used in various industries. The researchers used a combination of techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and rheology, to analyze the properties of reprocessed PBAT samples. The results showed that reprocessing PBAT can lead to degradation of the material, including a decrease in molecular weight and viscosity. However, the mechanical properties of PBAT, such as tensile strength and elongation at break, remained unchanged. The study also found that foaming PBAT using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) can lead to the formation of foams with improved morphology and mechanical properties. The foams produced through foaming exhibited smaller pores and reduced compressive modulus compared to those produced through reprocessing. The researchers conclude that reprocessing PBAT can be a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to non-biodegradable polymers, and that the material's biodegradability and recyclability make it an attractive option for industries looking to reduce their environmental impact. The study's findings have implications for the development of sustainable materials and products, and highlight the importance of considering the environmental and social implications of material choice in various industries. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of PBAT as a sustainable material for various applications, including packaging, energy insulation, and household utilities.
Scientific Methods The research methods used in this article are:

1.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
: To assess the thermal stability of PBAT, changes in its thermal properties, and degradation reactions.
2.
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
: To analyze the chemical structure of PBAT, identify changes in its molecular vibrations, and detect ester linkage break.
3.
Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)
: To measure the molecular weight and polydispersity index (PDI) of PBAT samples.
4.
Rheological analysis
: To assess the viscoelastic properties of PBAT, including its complex viscosity, elasticity, and flow behavior.
5.
Tensile testing
: To evaluate the mechanical properties of PBAT, such as Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break.
6.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
: To examine the morphology of PBAT foams, including their pore size and distribution.
7.
Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) foaming
: To produce PBAT foams using CO2 as a blowing agent.
8.
Molecular weight analysis
: To study the degradation of PBAT over time, including the reduction of molecular weight and PDI.
9.
Humidity chamber testing
: To investigate the effects of humidity on PBAT's mechanical properties and molecular weight.
10.
Statistical analysis
: To analyze the results, identify trends, and determine the significance of the findings.

These research methods were used to investigate the effects of reprocessing on PBAT's mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties, as well as its morphology and biodegradability.
Article contribution This article presents a comprehensive study on the sustainability of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) foams through reprocessing and green solvent. The study explores the effects of reprocessing, recycling, and sustainable processes and materials on the evolution of mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties of PBAT.

The main contributions of this article to regenerative economics are:

1.
Sustainable material selection
: The study highlights the importance of selecting biodegradable materials like PBAT, which can be reprocessed and recycled, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
2.
Reprocessing and recycling
: The article demonstrates the potential of reprocessing PBAT foams, which can reduce the environmental impact of traditional polymer foam production methods.
3.
Green solvent
: The use of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as a blowing agent in the foaming process is presented as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional blowing agents.
4.
Impact of reprocessing on PBAT properties
: The study investigates the effects of reprocessing on the mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties of PBAT, including molecular weight, viscosity, and porosity.
5.
Foaming process optimization
: The article presents a systematic approach to optimizing the foaming process, including the use of scCO2, which can lead to improved foam morphology and reduced environmental impact.
6.
Circular economy applications
: The study discusses the potential applications of reprocessed PBAT foams in various industries, such as packaging, agriculture, and transportation, promoting a more circular economy.

Overall, this article contributes to regenerative economics by showcasing the potential of biodegradable materials, reprocessing, and green solvents to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices in the polymer industry.

Rating: 4.5/5

Strengths:

* Comprehensive study on PBAT foams and reprocessing
* Emphasis on sustainable material selection and green solvent use
* Systematic approach to optimizing the foaming process
* Potential applications in various industries

Weaknesses:

* Limited scope of study to PBAT foams
* Lack of comparative studies with other biodegradable materials
* Limited discussion on the economic feasibility of reprocessing PBAT foams

Recommendations for improvement:

* Expand the scope of study to other biodegradable materials
* Compare the environmental impact of reprocessed PBAT foams with other materials
* Discuss the economic feasibility of reprocessing PBAT foams and potential cost savings

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