Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
08:14
Novel Process for 3D Printing Decellularized Matrices
Published on: January 7, 2019
7.6K
Microstructural Behaviors of Matrices Based on Polylactic Acid and Polyhydroxyalkanoates.
Juan Carlos Alzate Marin1, Sandra Rivero1,2, Adriana Pinotti1,3
1Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos (CIDCA), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICPBA) , 47 y 116 S/N , La Plata B1900AJJ , Buenos Aires , Argentina.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|July 24, 2018
Summary
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA) blends were created. Blending improved PLA
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable polymers sourced from wastewater treatment sludge.
- Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a widely used biodegradable polymer.
- Developing advanced biodegradable materials is crucial for sustainable practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the microstructural and thermal properties of PHA, PLA, and their blends.
- To investigate the biodegradation behavior of these materials from a microstructural perspective.
- To understand the interactions and effects of blending PHA and PLA.
Main Methods:
- Solvent casting was used to prepare individual films and blends of PHA and PLA.
- Microstructural analysis and thermal behavior assessments were conducted.
- Biodegradation processes were examined using microstructural analysis and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- ATR-FTIR spectra revealed weak molecular interactions between PHA and PLA in blends.
- Blending enhanced PLA crystallinity, with PHA acting as a nucleating agent.
- Improved water-vapor barrier properties were observed in the blend films.
- Biodegradation of blends exhibited intermediate behavior between pure PHA and PLA.
Conclusions:
- PHA-PLA blends offer tunable properties for specific applications.
- The nucleating effect of PHA on PLA improves film characteristics.
- Understanding blend behavior is key for designing tailored biodegradable systems.
- Microstructural analysis provides insights into biodegradation mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
02:33Lewis Acids and Bases
48.4K
In 1923, G. N. Lewis proposed a generalized definition of acid-base behavior in which acids and bases are identified by their ability to accept or to donate a pair of electrons and form a coordinate covalent bond.
A coordinate covalent bond (or dative bond) occurs when one of the atoms in the bond provides both bonding electrons. For example, a coordinate covalent bond occurs when a water molecule combines with a hydrogen ion to form a hydronium ion. A coordinate covalent bond also results when...
A coordinate covalent bond (or dative bond) occurs when one of the atoms in the bond provides both bonding electrons. For example, a coordinate covalent bond occurs when a water molecule combines with a hydrogen ion to form a hydronium ion. A coordinate covalent bond also results when...
48.4K
02:16Lewis Acids and Bases
17.5K
This lesson delves into Lewis acids and bases in the context of the octet rule for electron-deficient compounds. Here, the concept is discussed, emphasizing the group 13 elements like boron or aluminium. Since group 13 elements possess three valence electrons, they form trivalent compounds with a sextet of electrons and a vacant orbital for the central atom. Consequently, these electron-deficient compounds accept electrons from other species to complete their octet in a chemical reaction. They...
17.5K
02:54Ions as Acids and Bases
26.6K
Salts with Acidic Ions
Salts are ionic compounds composed of cations and anions, either of which may be capable of undergoing an acid or base ionization reaction with water. Aqueous salt solutions, therefore, may be acidic, basic, or neutral, depending on the relative acid-base strengths of the salt’s constituent ions. For example, dissolving the ammonium chloride in water results in its dissociation, as described by the equation:
Salts are ionic compounds composed of cations and anions, either of which may be capable of undergoing an acid or base ionization reaction with water. Aqueous salt solutions, therefore, may be acidic, basic, or neutral, depending on the relative acid-base strengths of the salt’s constituent ions. For example, dissolving the ammonium chloride in water results in its dissociation, as described by the equation:
26.6K
03:26Acids, Bases and Neutralization Reactions
63.9K
An acid-base reaction is one in which a hydrogen ion, H+, is transferred from one chemical species to another. Such reactions are of central importance to numerous natural and technological processes, ranging from the chemical transformations within cells or lakes and oceans to the industrial-scale production of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and other substances essential to the society.
63.9K
02:58Bronsted-Lowry Acids and Bases
105.6K
The acid-base reaction class has been studied for quite some time. In 1680, Robert Boyle reported traits of acid solutions that included their ability to dissolve many substances, to change the colors of certain natural dyes, and to lose these traits after coming in contact with alkali (base) solutions. In the eighteenth century, it was recognized that acids have a sour taste, react with limestone to liberate a gaseous substance (now known to be CO2), and interact with alkalis to form neutral...
105.6K
02:23Acid-Base Titration Curves
141.6K
A titration curve is a plot of some solution property versus the amount of added titrant. For acid-base titrations, solution pH is a useful property to monitor because it varies predictably with the solution composition and, therefore, may be used to monitor the titration’s progress and detect its endpoint. Acid-base titration can be performed with a strong acid and a strong base, a strong acid and a weak base, or a strong base and a weak acid.
For a titration carried out for 25.00 mL of...
For a titration carried out for 25.00 mL of...
141.6K