Resin Production from Starch Based Bio-Chemicals

29.11.2023

Most of the time, petrochemicals have been used to create synthetic polymers. However, the depletion of fossil resources and the resulting environmental issues motivated scientists to develop original, eco-friendly alternatives. The presence of biopolymers was now recognized by researchers. Biopolymers are synthetic polymers that are entirely or partially synthesized from biological components through the biosynthesis of living organisms [1]. The three major categories of biopolymers are polynucleotides, polysaccharides, and polypeptides. This categorization is based on the monomers utilized and the biopolymer structures created. Long chains of RNA or DNA are known as polynucleotides. Proteins and amino acid chains called polypeptides include fibrin, actin, and collagen. Polysaccharides, which are linear or branched chains of sugar carbohydrates, make up the final major category. Polysaccharides include substances such as, starch and cellulose. Biopolymers contribute to a less carbon footprint since they are made from natural resources. Biopolymers based on starch have grown in significance in recent years. Starch-based biopolymers, which replace plastics made from petrochemicals, are significant players in the polymer market. They make excellent candidates for a variety of applications, including the packaging industry [2], because of their nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and similar mechanical and deteriorating properties. [caption id="attachment_158122" align="aligncenter" width="577"]

Figure 1. Example of simple starch [4].[/caption]The graph, which displays the world’s bioplastics production capabilities in 2022[3], was obtained from European Bioplastics, Nova-Institute. As is evident, starch blends are utilized outside of the packing sector in a variety of industries including consumer products, agriculture, coatings, additives, and more. [caption id="attachment_158123" align="aligncenter" width="601"]

Figure 2. Global application areas of bioplastics [3].[/caption]Since starch is natural, we may change it in a variety of ways. Starch and other polymers can be combined physically. These diverse polymers acquire the many qualities of the starch-blend materials, such as the ability to produce high-quality sheets and films, the ability to form hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl group of free starch through covalent bonds, and flexibility. The starch/polyester mix may be employed in several fields thanks to its diverse characteristics. The addition of fillers to starchbiopolymer composites is the alternative physical technique. This results in cost reductions as well as improvements to the material’s toughness, stiffness, stability, permeability, and density. Starch can be oxidized or chemically changed with unique functional units using chemical techniques. These units include esters, ethers, isocyanates, phosphates, and nitrates, among others. Bio-based/non-biodegradable polymers continue to dominate biodegradable products in the manufacturing sector. However, because biodegradables are more environmentally friendly, their production capacity is predicted to rise. Furthermore, starch-based polymeric materials are likely to play a significant role in this growing trend. As İzel Kimya, we hope to expand our presence in this area in the near future. Our R&D section undertakes biopolymer research and will continue to do so on starchbased biopolymers.