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Polymers
Special Issues
Processing, Valorization and Utilization of Biomass/Waste-Derived Polymers
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Processing, Valorization and Utilization of Biomass/Waste-Derived Polymers

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 6781

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Javier Remón

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Thermochemical Processes Group, Aragón Institute for Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: biomass, bio-based feedstocks, waste materials, biofuels, bio-chemicals, bio-materials, biorefinery, sustainability, co-valorisation, novel catalysts and alternative reaction media
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Zhicheng Jiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Interests: biomass conversion; biomass-derived materials; lignin
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The substantial increase in the demand for energy and chemicals worldwide, along with the environmental concerns related to such variations, have led researchers to investigate the use of feedstock alternatives to petroleum, as well as to develop novel, carbon-neutral and more efficient processes for the production of fuels and chemicals in a more sustainable manner. Within this global renewable energy picture, polymer-like materials derived from biomass, disposable waste materials, and industrial by-products are regarded as promising feedstocks to obtain these commodities using different valorization strategies and biorefinery processes. Given this background, this Special Issue will put together research covering the production of biofuels, platform chemicals and bio-materials using circular economy strategies, following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). As such, we kindly invite authors to submit full research papers and reviews addressing their latest research into the use of advanced processes and novel strategies for the valorization, fractionation and utilization of polymeric materials derived from biomass and waste to satisfy human needs. The strategies could comprise the valorization of one single feedstock and/or can address synergistic co-valorization approaches. Processes can include thermochemical and/or microwave-assisted variants, including pyrolysis, gasification, reforming, hydrothermal treatments, and supercritical fluids. A combination of different processes and strategies within a biorefinery concept is particularly welcome.

We hope this Special Issue brings together cutting-edge research conducted at institutions worldwide on sustainable energy, chemicals and materials production. 

Dr. Javier Remón
Dr. Zhicheng Jiang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biopolymers
  • polymers from biomass
  • polymers from waste
  • industrial waste polymers
  • biorefinery
  • sustainability
  • valorisation
  • value-added products and materials
  • biofuels

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 3942 KiB  
Article
Development of Edible Films Based on Nostoc and Modified Native Potato Starch and Their Physical, Mechanical, Thermal, and Microscopic Characterization
by Antonieta Mojo-Quisani, Daniel A. Ccallo-Silva, David Choque-Quispe, Miriam Calla-Florez, Carlos A. Ligarda-Samanez, Raúl Comettant-Rabanal, Raul Mamani-Condori and Víctor J. Huamaní-Meléndez
Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2396; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172396 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 779
Abstract
Considering the potential of biopolymers from underutilized Andean sources in Peru to improve the characteristics of edible films, this work aimed to evaluate the formation of a polymeric matrix composed of Nostoc and modified potato starch for the formulation of edible films for [...] Read more.
Considering the potential of biopolymers from underutilized Andean sources in Peru to improve the characteristics of edible films, this work aimed to evaluate the formation of a polymeric matrix composed of Nostoc and modified potato starch for the formulation of edible films for food coating. The effects of polymer matrix ratio and drying temperature on films obtained by thermoforming were studied, determining the water vapor permeability and mechanical properties using a multifactorial design. Additionally, thermal properties were characterized by TGA and DSC, and structural properties by FT-IR and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the films exhibited lower solubility, lighter hues, better water vapor resistance, higher tensile strength, and improved thermal stability with increasing modified starch content. The formulation with higher Nostoc content exhibited a more homogeneous surface according to microscopy images, and no new chemical bonds were formed by adding modified starch and Nostoc to the polymer matrix, according to FT-IR spectra. These findings are promising and suggest using Nostoc for elaborating edible films composed of native and modified starch from native Andean potatoes as bio-based materials with potential application in the food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Valorization and Utilization of Biomass/Waste-Derived Polymers)
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18 pages, 3700 KiB  
Article
Biomass Valorization through Catalytic Pyrolysis Using Metal-Impregnated Natural Zeolites: From Waste to Resources
by Diego Venegas-Vásconez, Lourdes Orejuela-Escobar, Alfredo Valarezo-Garcés, Víctor H. Guerrero, Luis Tipanluisa-Sarchi and Serguei Alejandro-Martín
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1912; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131912 - 4 Jul 2024
Viewed by 892
Abstract
Catalytic biomass pyrolysis is one of the most promising routes for obtaining bio-sustainable products that replace petroleum derivatives. This study evaluates the production of aromatic compounds (benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX)) from the catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass (Pinus radiata (PR) and [...] Read more.
Catalytic biomass pyrolysis is one of the most promising routes for obtaining bio-sustainable products that replace petroleum derivatives. This study evaluates the production of aromatic compounds (benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX)) from the catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass (Pinus radiata (PR) and Eucalyptus globulus (EG)). Chilean natural zeolite (NZ) was used as a catalyst for pyrolysis reactions, which was modified by double ion exchange (H2NZ) and transition metals impregnation (Cu5H2NZ and Ni5H2NZ). The catalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), ammonium programmed desorption (TPD-NH3), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Analytical pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) allowed us to study the influence of natural and modified zeolite catalysts on BTX production. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of metal oxides (CuO and NiO) in the zeolite framework, and SEM-EDS confirmed successful metal impregnation (6.20% for Cu5H2NZ and 6.97% for Ni5H2NZ). Py-GC/MS revealed a reduction in oxygenated compounds such as esters, ketones, and phenols, along with an increase in aromatic compounds in PR from 2.92% w/w (without catalyst) to 20.89% w/w with Ni5H2NZ at a biomass/catalyst ratio of 1/5, and in EG from 2.69% w/w (without catalyst) to 30.53% w/w with Ni5H2NZ at a biomass/catalyst ratio of 1/2.5. These increases can be attributed to acidic sites within the catalyst pores or on their surface, facilitating deoxygenation reactions such as dehydration, decarboxylation, decarbonylation, aldol condensation, and aromatization. Overall, this study demonstrated that the catalytic biomass pyrolysis process using Chilean natural zeolite modified with double ion exchange and impregnated with transition metals (Cu and Ni) could be highly advantageous for achieving significant conversion of oxygenated compounds into hydrocarbons and, consequently, improving the quality of the condensed pyrolysis vapors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Valorization and Utilization of Biomass/Waste-Derived Polymers)
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Review

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15 pages, 2026 KiB  
Review
Nanocellulose: The Ultimate Green Aqueous Dispersant for Nanomaterials
by Víctor Calvo, Carlos Martínez-Barón, Laura Fuentes, Wolfgang K. Maser, Ana M. Benito and José M. González-Domínguez
Polymers 2024, 16(12), 1664; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121664 - 12 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1418
Abstract
Nanocellulose, a nanoscale derivative from renewable biomass sources, possesses remarkable colloidal properties in water, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. It emerges as a promising bio-based dispersing agent for various nanomaterials in water. This mini-review explores the interaction between cellulose nanomaterials (nanocrystals or nanofibers) and [...] Read more.
Nanocellulose, a nanoscale derivative from renewable biomass sources, possesses remarkable colloidal properties in water, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. It emerges as a promising bio-based dispersing agent for various nanomaterials in water. This mini-review explores the interaction between cellulose nanomaterials (nanocrystals or nanofibers) and water, elucidating how this may enable their potential as an eco-friendly dispersing agent. We explore the potential of nanocellulose derived from top-down processes, nanocrystals, and nanofibers for dispersing carbon nanomaterials, semiconducting oxide nanoparticles, and other nanomaterials in water. We also highlight its advantages over traditional methods by not only effectively dispersing those nanomaterials but also potentially eliminating the need for further chemical treatments or supporting stabilizers. This not only preserves the exceptional properties of nanomaterials in aqueous dispersion, but may even lead to the emergence of novel hybrid functionalities. Overall, this mini-review underscores the remarkable versatility of nanocellulose as a green dispersing agent for a variety of nanomaterials, inspiring further research to expand its potential to other nanomaterials and applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Valorization and Utilization of Biomass/Waste-Derived Polymers)
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22 pages, 5079 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Preparation and Application of Biochar Derived from Lignocellulosic Biomass: A Mini Review
by Kanglei Wang, Javier Remón, Zhicheng Jiang and Wei Ding
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060851 - 20 Mar 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3130
Abstract
With the rapid growth in the global population and the accelerating pace of urbanization, researching and developing novel strategies for biomass utilization is significant due to its potential for use in renewable energy, climate change mitigation, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. In this [...] Read more.
With the rapid growth in the global population and the accelerating pace of urbanization, researching and developing novel strategies for biomass utilization is significant due to its potential for use in renewable energy, climate change mitigation, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. In this environmental context, this review discusses the recent advances in biomass conversion technologies for biochar production, including the first carbonization process and the subsequent activation methods of the biochar derived from lignocellulosic biomass (LBC). Parallel to this, this review deals with other essential parameters in biochar production, such as feedstock types, reaction environments, and operating conditions in the pyrolysis process, to determine the production and composition of LBC. Moreover, the wide-ranging applications of LBC in areas such as adsorption, catalysts, and energy storage are discussed, offering sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives while reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and mineral resources, thereby providing practical solutions to environmental and energy challenges. Overall, this review not only provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of different LBC preparation methods, but also facilitates a deeper understanding of the advantages and limitations of these methodologies when it comes to developing high-value materials for sustainable applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Valorization and Utilization of Biomass/Waste-Derived Polymers)
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