Evaluation of Additives on the Cell Metabolic Activity of New PHB/PLA-Based Formulations by Means of Material Extrusion 3D Printing for Scaffold Applications.

In this study, specific additives were incorporated in polyhydroxyalcanoate (PHB) and polylactic acid (PLA) blend to improve its compatibility, and so enhance the cell metabolic activity of scaffolds for tissue engineering. The formulations were manufactured through material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM) technology. As additives, petroleum-based poly(ethylene) with glicidyl metacrylate (EGM) and methyl acrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate (EMAG); poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) copolymer (Xibond); and bio-based epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) were used.

Sustainability in the Development of Natural Pigment-Based Colour Masterbatches and Their Application in Biopolymers.

This article is focused on the development and characterization of a series of biodegradable and eco-friendly colour masterbatches (MBs), based on natural pigments and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS). Four commercial natural pigments were used, spirulina, curcumin, beetroot and chlorophyllin, to develop the colour masterbatches using a twin-screw extruder. The natural pigment-based MBs were added at 2, 4 and 6 wt%, as additives to study the effect on the properties of injected biodegradable parts (PLA and PBS).

Poly-Lactic Acid-Bagasse Based Bio-Composite for Additive Manufacturing.

Beer bagasse is a residue waste produced in great amounts; nevertheless, it is still underestimated in the industry. The aim of this paper is to develop an innovative and efficient methodology to recycle the beer bagasse by producing Poly-lactic acid(PLA)-based bio-composites, in the forms of pellets and filaments, to be used in additive manufacturing processes. To assess the suitability of beer bagasse for extrusion-based 3D printing techniques, it was, firstly, physically and chemically characterized.

Incorporation of Argan Shell Flour in a Biobased Polypropylene Matrix for the Development of High Environmentally Friendly Composites by Injection Molding.

In this study, a new composite material is developed using a semi bio-based polypropylene (bioPP) and micronized argan shell (MAS) byproducts. To improve the interaction between the filler and the polymer matrix, a compatibilizer, PP-g-MA, is used. The samples are prepared using a co-rotating twin extruder followed by an injection molding process.

Development of Blends to Improve Flexibility of Biodegradable Polymers.

In this study, binary blends of biodegradable polymers were prepared to improve the ductile properties of those that have a more rigid and/or brittle behaviour. Specifically, PLA, PHA and TPS were blended with different amounts of PBS with the objective of reducing the stiffness and brittleness of the three polymers. The compatibility of the blends and their resulting mechanical properties were studied.

Recyclability Analysis of Starch Thermoplastic/Almond Shell Biocomposite.

This article is focused on studying the effect of the reprocessing cycles on the mechanical, thermal, and aesthetic properties of a biocomposite. This process is based on starch thermoplastic polymer (TPS) filled with 20 wt% almond shell powder (ASP) and epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) as a compatibilizing additive. To do so, the biocomposite was prepared in a twin-screw extruder, molded by injection, and characterized in terms of its mechanical, thermal, and visual properties (according to CieLab) and the melt flow index (MFI).