PACK-NIN · Modified lignin nanoparticles for composite and bio-based/Cu packaging applications
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2021-04-01 → 2023-03-31
- EU contribution
- €162,040
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
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Results in brief
Modified lignin nanoparticles for composite and bio-based/Cu packaging applications
The consumption of polymers has grown enormously in the last twenty years, with packaging now accounting for 42 percent of all plastics used worldwide. The extensive use of polymers has had a significant impact on the environment, both on land and in water. While sustainable polymers made from green raw materials like PLA offer a more environmentally friendly alternative, they are often more expensive compared to unsustainable plastic packaging made from polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). However, PLA provides a more sustainable packaging solution as it is a biopolymer derived from natural sources. Despite its advantages, PLA faces challenges such as higher costs, poor thermal stability, and slow crystallization, which make it less suitable for long-term food packaging. These limitations can be addressed by incorporating bio-based polymers such as lignin into the PLA matrix. Lignin, an underutilized by-product obtained from agriculture and forestry biorefineries, poses compatibility issues with the PLA matrix due to its polar functional groups. However, modifying the polar groups in lignin can improve its compatibility with PLA and enhance the mechanical and physicochemical properties of PLA-based biocomposites for packaging applications. The specific objectives of the project are as follows: i) Develop novel modification methods (etherification-oxypropylation and esterification with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) and modified lignin nanoparticles (MLNPs) synthesis for sulfur (kraft) and sulfur-free lignin (Organosolv, soda). The compatibility of these modified lignins with PLA polymer will be compared with the traditional acetylation method. ii) Enhance PLA packaging composite materials by incorporating modified lignin (PLA/ML) and MLNPs (PLA/MLNPs) and investigate their resulting mechanical and physicochemical properties. iii) Establish and optimize a novel synthesis route for producing PLA/ML-Cu composites and PLA/MLNP-Cu composites. iv) Evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized composites against E. Coli and S. aureus to explore potential end-user applications.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable resource with potential for biochemicals and green materials to replace petroleum-based materials. Lignin is the second most abundant aromatic biopolymer and an underutilized component produced as a by-product in the pulp and paper industry and burned for energy. Lignin can also be used to synthesize bio-based composites by incorporating it into different polymers. For example, PLA is a biodegradable polymer used in food packaging applications. Lignin has been used as a filler with PLA to enhance thermal stability, UV properties and tensile strength. However, poor compatibility and aggregation are the main shortcomings for lignin-PLA composites due to the hydroxyl groups present in lignin. Although modification of lignin’s hydroxyl groups has been investigated, current methods are still problematic. To address these issues, the PACK-NIN project will focus on incorporating lignin nanoparticle (LNP) from kraft, organosolv and soda processes into the PLA matrix to enhance compatibility and bonding interaction. Due to their higher dispersibility, lower agglomeration and higher surface areas, LNPs are key to improving polymeric composites. Prior to synthesis of LNPs, novel modifications (oxypropylation and esterification:4-hydroxybenzoic acid) will be employed to enhance lignin’s hydrophobicity. The modified LNP (MLNP) will be incorporated into a PLA matrix at different weight percentages to investigate mechanical and thermal properties. Copper nanoparticle will then be introduced into the MLNP/PLA material to evaluate antibacterial activity within the composite. The PACK-NIN project proposes to develop a sustainable bio-nanocomposite that provides breakthroughs for advancing lignin use in food packaging and other composite applications. The ER will gain professional maturity and independence through the MSCA program activities, particularly mentoring young researchers, organizing events and managing projects.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- INNORENEW COE CENTER ODLICNOSTI ZA RAZISKAVE IN INOVACIJE NA PODROCJU OBNOVLJIVIH MATERIALOV IN ZDRAVEGA BIVANJSKEGA OKOLJA · IzolaCoordinatorSlovenia
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union