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Published on: June 17, 2014
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Developing highly transparent yet ultraviolet blocking fully biocomposite films based on chitin and lignin using
1Institute of New Bamboo and Rattan Based Biomaterials, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing 100102, China; Composite Materials and Engineering Center, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|January 13, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a fully biobased film using chitin propionate and organosolv lignin. This sustainable material offers excellent UV protection and good transparency, presenting an eco-friendly alternative for packaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- Growing demand for sustainable, petroleum-free products to combat environmental pollution.
- Need for functional biobased materials with properties comparable to conventional plastics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fully biobased composite film with enhanced UV-blocking capabilities.
- To utilize chitin propionate and organosolv lignin as primary components.
- To explore green processing methods for creating novel packaging materials.
Main Methods:
- Propionylation of chitin to improve solubility, yielding chitin propionate (CP).
- Extraction of organosolv lignin (OSL) from forest residuals.
- Preparation of CP/OSL composite films using an acidic ethanol/water solvent system.
Main Results:
- Composite films demonstrated significant UV light blocking (up to 98% with 5% OSL).
- Films maintained good visible light transmittance (71% with 5% OSL) and retained mechanical/thermal properties.
- Higher OSL content (20%) achieved near-complete UV blocking but reduced transparency.
Conclusions:
- A novel, fully biobased film from chitin propionate and organosolv lignin was successfully produced.
- The composite offers a promising balance of UV protection and transparency for packaging.
- This approach presents a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based packaging materials.
