(1) (PDF) Synthesis of Protein-Grafted Edible Bioplastic: A Predictive Framework for Injection Molding. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/405867740_Synthesis_of_Protein-Grafted_Edible_Bioplastic_A_Predictive_Framework_for_Injection_Molding
”Abstract
Conventional biopolymers frequently do not meet the severe mechanical shear, high barrier requirements, and rapid crystallization rates demanded by primary industrial packaging lines, such as beverage bottle manufacturing. This paper presents a structural methodology for a novel, 100% bio-based, edible resins utilizing a rigid polysaccharide backbone grafted with hydrophobic plant proteins optimized for primary containers. By upcycling agricultural sidestreams, for example corn stover and brewers’ spent grain, the composite material is capable of matching the performance benchmarks of commercial polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP), as well as having considerably more advantageous features. Thermomechanical constraints are modeled to target a Melt Flow Index (MFI) of g/10 min at 180C and a tensile yield strength of MPa. This framework establishes the interfacial chemistry, ingredients and mass fractions, industrial reactive extrusion protocols, as well as decentralized home-scale methods required to realize scalable, bio- and marine-degradable alternatives for global consumer packaging. Perhaps the greatest point to make is that there are a number of acceptable solutions to this issue.”