Advances in Biodegradable Polymer Film

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Membranes and Films".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 1968

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
Interests: bioprocess; biomaterials; process optimization; intelligent biomanufacturing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

The growing demand for environmentally friendly materials has led to significant advancements in the development of biodegradable polymer films. These materials are gaining prominence in industries ranging from packaging to agriculture, where their ability to break down naturally in the environment offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics derived from fossil fuels. 

This Special Issue, entitled “Advances in Biodegradable Polymer Film”, aims to showcase the latest research and innovations in this rapidly evolving field. The scope of this Special Issue therefore includes, but is not limited to, the following topics: 

  • Novel methods for the synthesis of biodegradable polymer films with enhanced mechanical and barrier properties;
  • The use of bio-based feedstocks for film production, with a focus on renewable resources;
  • Advancements in processing techniques that optimize the production of polymer films for various applications;
  • Environmentally friendly production processes, including solvent-free techniques and the use of green chemistry principles;
  • Studies on the degradation mechanisms and environmental impact of biodegradable films;
  • Applications of biodegradable polymer films in packaging, agriculture, and biomedical fields.

We welcome original research articles and reviews that highlight these topics, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary approaches that combine polymer chemistry, materials science, and environmental sustainability. 

Dr. Ademola Monsur Hammed
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • biodegradable polymers
  • sustainable materials
  • renewable resources
  • green chemistry
  • environmental impact

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1968 KiB  
Article
Biodegradable Food Packaging Films Using a Combination of Hemicellulose and Cellulose Derivatives
by Syed Ammar Hussain, Madhav P. Yadav, Brajendra K. Sharma, Phoebe X. Qi and Tony Z. Jin
Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3171; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223171 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 994
Abstract
This study aims to develop biodegradable films by combining hemicellulose B (HB) with methylcellulose (MC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at two mass ratios, HB/MC 90/10 and HB/CMC 60/40. The effect of plasticizers, glycerol (GLY) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), on these films’ mechanical and [...] Read more.
This study aims to develop biodegradable films by combining hemicellulose B (HB) with methylcellulose (MC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at two mass ratios, HB/MC 90/10 and HB/CMC 60/40. The effect of plasticizers, glycerol (GLY) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), on these films’ mechanical and physicochemical properties was also investigated. Results showed that the film thickness increased with the addition of GLY and PEG. Moisture content was lower in plasticized films, possibly contributing to better storage. Plasticizers also induced more pronounced color changes, intensifying the lightness and yellowness. Physical attributes such as peel ability, foldability, and transparency were also noticeably improved, particularly in films with higher GLY and PEG concentrations. Additionally, plasticizers enhanced the mechanical properties more significantly in the HB/CMC films, as evidenced by improved tensile stress, elongation at break, elastic modulus, and toughness. However, oxygen and water vapor permeabilities, two of the most critical factors in food packaging, were reduced in the HB/MC films with plasticizers compared to the HB/CMC counterparts. The findings of this study bear significant implications for developing sustainable packaging solutions using hemicellulose B isolated from agricultural material processing waste. These biopolymer-based films, in conjunction with biobased plasticizers, such as glycerol biopolymer, can help curtail our reliance on conventional plastics and alleviate the environmental impact of plastic waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biodegradable Polymer Film)
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12 pages, 2053 KiB  
Article
Mechanical and Thermal Characteristics of Films from Glycerol Mixed Emulsified Carnauba Wax/Polyvinyl Alcohol
by Abodunrin Tirmidhi Tijani, Tawakalt Ayodele, Musiliu Liadi, Niloy Chandra Sarker and Ademola Hammed
Polymers 2024, 16(21), 3024; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16213024 - 28 Oct 2024
Viewed by 764
Abstract
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based films have drawn significant attention owing to their potential applications in various industries. The application of wax to PVA films enhanced their resistance to dissolution and water infiltration. Nevertheless, waxed PVA films often exhibit inadequate mechanical properties owing to crack [...] Read more.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based films have drawn significant attention owing to their potential applications in various industries. The application of wax to PVA films enhanced their resistance to dissolution and water infiltration. Nevertheless, waxed PVA films often exhibit inadequate mechanical properties owing to crack formation. In this study, we evaluated the impact of glycerol as a plasticizer in varying concentrations of Carnauba wax (CW). The addition of glycerol to the PVA/CW blend led to enhanced mechanical properties compared to the blend without glycerol. The functional group and morphology of the blends confirm glycerol compatibility with PVA/CW films. Glycerol was fully dispersed to form a consistent polymer matrix and equally improved the film’s contact angle. Furthermore, the thermal property from differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis highlights the plasticizing effect of glycerol in PVA/CW films, potentially broadening their use in food packaging and wrapping applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biodegradable Polymer Film)
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