Nano-structure controlled bioplastics and their hierarchical green nano-biocomposites

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This proposal targets to carry-out fundamental research on renewable resource-based bioplastics and their value-added biomaterials, to facilitate rapid transition to a biobased economy. Two recently highlighted bioplastics are polylactides (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). They are of particular interest because of their renewable origin, biodegradability and claimed environmental sustainability in reducing green house gas emission. There is a pressing need to enhance the versatility of these emerging bioplastics for more wide spread applications, making them ready to compete with traditional non-biodegradable plastics. A transformative approach in creating a new range of smart biomaterials was initiated by incorporation of nanostructures into bioplastic, including revolutionary material combinations. Integrating the advantage of nanotechnology in bringing-out new sustainable biomaterials is considered a gentle approach. Recent accomplishment by the applicant's research team was utilization of a new technology, based on nanoscopic additive, to create a modified bioplastic which exhibits a unique balance in toughness and stiffness. This discovery is imminent to further explore the science-based knowledge economy for multifunctional bioplastic uses. The science and engineering principles of new bioplastic matrices will be expanded further, using additional reinforcements, such as nano-clay, natural fibres and talc to generate new smart biomaterials. Such materials are called hierarchical nano-biocomposites. The value-added biomaterials from new discovered bioplastics will have applications in greener auto-arts, building products, furniture and rigid packaging. This will not only help in providing additional uses and new markets for agriculture and manufacturing industry, but will also supplement and substitute the existing petroleum-based counterparts. This means a tremendous reduction in green house gas emission through use of biomaterials and reducing our dependency on petroleum. The out-come of this research will create new fundamental knowledge to stimulate additional research. The vision is to educate future students in driving-forward the emerging green technology innovation.