Materials and technologies – May 2022
Developing new polymers
Researchers at TU/e have been awarded a NWO Gravitation grant. The funding will be used to establish the Interactive Polymeric Materials Research Center in Eindhoven. The researchers want to develop polymers that can easily interact with the environment around them and then change their properties in response to the environment.
Developments in paper packaging
University of Tokyo researchers have developed Choetsu, a low-cost biodegradable coating that adds waterproofing and strength to paper. Choetsu is a combination of materials which, when applied to paper, spontaneously generate a strong and waterproof film when it makes contact with moisture in the air. An article (abstract) about the research is published in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. In an article (439 kB) published in the Open Journal of Polymer Chemistry, researchers from the Institute of Chemical Technology give an overview of adhesives for the paper packaging industry.
Smart and active packaging
In an article (4.01 MB) published in ACS Food Science & Technology, University of Bath researchers discuss the principles, progress and prospects of biodegradable active packaging with controlled release. In an article (946 kB) published in the International Journal of Food Properties, IQQO researchers look at bio-based smart materials for fish product packaging. The research progress on cellulose chemical modification techniques and prospective applications in (active) food packaging is discussed by researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in an article (2.4 MB) published in Polymers. In an article (1.11 MB) published in Processes, Unitec Institute of Technology researchers discuss smart, active and intelligent packaging systems.
Antiviral biodegradable food packaging in the COVID-19 era
During the COVID-19 pandemic several reports revealed the spread of the viral infection through food products and packaging. This significantly affected consumer behaviour, which directly influenced the market dynamics of the food industry. In an article (2.26 MB) published in Coatings, Kyung Hee University scientists give an overview of research on antiviral biodegradable food packaging and edible coating materials in the COVID-19 era.
Production of bulk raw materials from agro residues one step closer
In the CAPCOM-NL project WUR collaborated with a range of businesses and research institutes to develop technology for the processing of agro-industry residues into a raw material suitable for the large-scale production of for example bioplastics. This was done by developing a process for treating low-value residues and turning them into an intermediate product in the form of a pellet, known as a biocommodity.
The potential of sugarcane bagasse and seaweed in bioplastic packaging
Sugarcane bagasse has been valorised for various applications such as the production of chemicals, biodegradable materials, enzymes, and proteins, as well as in the food and packaging industry. However, there are still various challenges being faced by these industries. AcSIR researchers discusses the potential of sugarcane bagasse as a raw material in an article (1.02 MB) published in Circular Economy and Sustainability.
In a review (1.26 MB) published in Applied Sciences, University of Coimbra researchers give an overview of the potential of seaweeds in bioplastic packaging.
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