7^th International Conference and Exhibition on Biopolymers and Bioplastics (10 Plenary Forums - 1 Event) October 19-20, 2017 San Francisco, California, USA

Biography:

Dr. Joe Greene is a professor and department chair in the Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and Sustainable Manufacturing Department at California State University, Chico. He received a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 1993 from the University of Michigan. Joe began teaching at California State University, Chico in 1998 after a 14-year career with General Motors Corporation in Detroit, Michigan. His research interests include biobased and biodegradable polymers, recycled plastics, composting technology, and anaerobic digestion.

Abstract:

Biodegradation was measured for biodegradable, compostable, and oxodegradable plastics while exposed to aerobic composting, soil, marine, and anaerobic digestion environments. Biodegradable plastics included, corn-starch based biobag, PHA bag, Ecoflex bag, and PLA lids. Positive and negative controls included, Kraft paper and polyethylene. Other plastics included, and oxodegradable plastic bags. For industrial composting environment, compostable plastic products, along with oxodegradable, cellulose paper, Kraft paper, and polyethylene plastic wrap, were placed in an environment consistent with ASTM 5338 conditions. For marine environment, the plastic samples were placed in a test environment consistent with ASTM 6691. For anaerobic digestion, plastic samples were placed in an environment consistent with ASTM 5511. For soil burial environment, plastic samples were placed in an environment consistent with EN 13432.The degradation was evaluated by measuring CO₂ gas, which evolves from the degrading plastic samples. For industrial compost conditions, the compostable plastics, namely, PLA, sugar cane, PHA, Ecoflex, and starched-based biobag, degraded at least 90% and met the degradation time requirement in the ASTM D-6400 standard. Theoxodegradable, UV-degradable plastics, and LDPE plastic bag had negligible degradation. After 180 days placed in a commercial food-waste composting operation, PLA, PHA, Ecoflex, and corn starch plastics completely degraded. Small fragments of sugar cane lids and Kraft paper were visible. The oxo-biodegradable plastic bags, LDPE plastic bags and UV-degradable plastic bag did not fragment nor degrade. The samples were also exposed to a simulated marine environment. Under marine conditions, PHA experienced significant biodegradation. Alternatively, corn-starch based trash bag, PLA cup, Ecoflex bag, sugar cane lids, UV-degradable plastic ring, and Kraft paper did not exhibit biodegradation under marine conditions. Under anaerobic conditions PHA experienced biodegradation, but PLA, paper, and polyethylene did not. Under soil burial conditions, PHA and starch based plastics exhibited some biodegradation, but PLA and polyethylene did not.

Biography:

Heidi du Clou has her expertise in analytical chemistry, chemical method development and biopolymer structure elucidation.  She is passionate about biopolymers, mass spectroscopy and rheology.  Heidi has been involved in the sugarcane industry since 2009.  Her research for this industry has led to the development of several methods that enable the analysis of biopolymers within complex sugar matrices, and the compilation of a carbohydrate mass spectral library specific to the polysaccharides found in the industry.  Her passion for rheology has led to an improved understanding of sugarcane-derived biopolymer solution behaviour, which has initiated a multitude of new research possibilities for the sugarcane processing industry.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Polysaccharides are carbohydrate biopolymers that are derived from numerous sources; including plants and microorganisms. They are present in sugarcane and in sugarcane processing streams. Sugarcane polysaccharides include starch, dextran, indigenous sugarcane polysaccharide, Robert’s glucan, galactomannan, levans and sarkaran.  Collectively, sugar technologists refer to mixtures of polysaccharides found in processing streams as “gums”.  Gums are regarded negatively in the sugar industry.  Not only do they represent a direct loss of recoverable sucrose (sugar) due to the action of the microbes that produced them, but they also possess physical properties that affect processing.  For example, cane starch, dextran and sarkaran have been linked to increased viscosities and related sucrose losses in sugar processing streams.  The causes, chemical make-up and effects of cane starch and dextran are well documented. However, other gum polysaccharides are not as well understood. This research looks to establish the methods to isolate, elucidate and characterise the major constituents of gums in the South African sugar industry. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Gums from various sugar processing streams from across South Africa were isolated and characterised by methods that were established using gel filtration chromatography, gas chromatography mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, rheology and enzymatic hydrolysis followed by high performance liquid chromatography.   Findings: Polysaccharides that constitute gums in the South African sugarcane industry are not limited to starch and dextran, but rather a complex and variable mixture of biopolymers. Conclusion & Significance: The techniques developed and knowledge gained better equips the sugar industry to analyse gums and opens opportunities for the industry to exploit the unique physico-chemical properties of these biopolymers.

Biography:

Andrea Arias has built her expertise as a research engineer specialized in application development of biopolymers and biocomposites. She is experienced in combining the fundamental understanding of the unique properties of bioplastics with the more practical aspects of the tailored product development. She has a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering and she earned her Ph.D. degree in polymer science at Polytechnique School of Montreal when working with nanocellulose applications for PLA-based composites. Andrea currently works as Application Specialist in the Biobased Innovations business unit of Dutch company Corbion Purac. Corbion is the global market leader in lactic acid and lactic acid derivatives with over 80 years of fermentation experience. She's involved in the FDCA to PEF value chain within the company.

Abstract:

Poly(ethylene furanoate) – PEF has gained extensive attention in recent years due to its high barrier properties to oxygen and carbon dioxide [1]. PEF is a biobased polyester polymerized through combination of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid – FDCA and ethylene glycol. Many authors consider PEF a potential replacement to PET and the next generation of FDCA biobased polyesters [2]. The successful introduction of PEF in the beverage and food packaging industry requires bringing concrete proof of its applicability and versatility as a barrier layer, combining the fundamental understanding of the unique properties of PEF with the more practical aspects of the tailored application development [3,4]. The clarity and mechanical performance of PET have placed it as the material of choice for manufacturing of

packaging for carbonated soft drinks (CSD) juices and water. Multilayer packaging has been developed under the principle to sandwich a high barrier material between PET layers in order to improve its undesirable low barrier to CO₂ and O₂ – often a limitation of PET containers [5]. In this talk the barrier enhancement properties of multilayer bottles using PEF as an intermediate layer embedded in a PET CSD bottle will be presented. The manufacturing of preforms and bottles was accomplished using two-stage injection stretch blow molding –ISBM. The weight percentage range of PEF in the bottle preform was defined at 3, 5, 10 and 15wt% and PET monolayer was used as a reference. The CO₂ permeation of multilayer PET/PEF bottles was studied over time under standard conditions, i.e. 22°C and 50% RH. Table 1 shows the barrier improvement factor for each multilayer composition, which is calculated as the ratio between the loss percentage per day using the monolayer PET as a reference. At the highest PEF wt.% studied, i.e. 15wt%, the PEF medium layer contributes to CO₂ loss twice slower than PET monolayer bottles. For the same concentration, the barrier to O₂ is improved by 70%, as it is depicted in Table 2. In addition to CO₂ and O₂ barrier performance, the relevant aspects to the processing of PEF in typical pilot facilities involving the flow viscosity properties, temperature processing windows and melt stability will be discussed as well.

 

Table 1 – Carbon dioxide barrier improvement factors of multilayer PET/PEF bottles

 

Bottle	CO2 loss(%/day)	BIF
100% PET	0.223	1.00
3wt% PEF	0.175	1.27
5wt% PEF	0.147	1.54
10wt% PEF	0.125	1.80
15wt% PEF	0.107	2.08

 

Table 2 – Oxygen barrier improvement factors of multilayer PET/PEF bottles

 

Bottle	O2 gain (ppm/day)	BIF
100% PET	0.052	1.00
3wt% PEF	0.044	1.19
5wt% PEF	0.040	1.30
10wt% PEF	0.035	1.46
15wt% PEF	0.031	1.68

 

Biography:

Juliana da Silva e Mascarenhas Guedes holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, a Master's Degree in Structural Engineering from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, a PhD in Earth Sciences from Universidade Fernando Pessoa, in Porto, Portugal. Currently, is a professor of Civil Engineering at Universidade FUMEC and post-graduate in Structural Engineering from Universidade FUMEC. She is an investigator at FP-ENAS, UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit, Porto. Has experience in the structural and sanitary area. Articles in papers in sanitation, environmental and structural área.

Abstract:

The question of burials is considered sacred by different cultures, beliefs and religions. Cremation is an option less aggressive to the environment when compared to the conventional procedure, as it does not yield conventional residues and pathogenic microorganisms. However, this practice has been questioned and even condemned by some religions. Yet,  the conventional burial system  causes the contamination of the soil by the necroslurry; a viscous and polluting liquid, composed mainly of cadaverine; an amine (C₅H₁₄N₂) of repulsive odor. Its viscosity is due to internal chemical reactions, which produce polymers, which makes it difficult to be transported and removed from soil and groundwater. Again, cremation seems to be a feasible solution for the problem. Nevertheless, this procedure causes the loss of genetic cells. It hinders, for example, the definition of paternity and/or the treatment of diseases through the removal of stem cells from cadavers that, according to recent research, can be reactivated and transformed into any kind of cells or tissues of the body in good condition. A new technology for the vertical burial system which is currently being developed in  Brazil, allows the gas exchange and controls humidity, pressure and temperature inside shrouds, causing  an aerobic decomposition that eliminates environmental contaminations, reducing environmental impacts, diseases and odors. The sealed system demands theapplication of fiberglass plates and  polymers, which are resistant, elastic, and suitable to absorb the coefficient of expansion of the system, preventing any leakage due to retraction. This  method also allows the storage of genetic cells, proving to be a good solution for health problems as well as  environmental, religious and cultural issues framing this matter

Biography:

Camila Alda Farhat Magalhães Souza holds a degree in Psychology at Universidade FUMEC. Specialist in Afro-Brazilian History and Culture from UNIANDRADE, 2nd Lieutenant of the Brazilian Air Force, Psychologist. Currently, works as a clinical psychologist, researcher and literary reviewer.

Abstract:

The most well-known destinations for lifeless bodies, used and defended by beliefs, religions and people, are graves and burial chambers. They are the forms of burial, which, in the majority, bring comfort to the families and people close to the deceased, for idealizing that they are religiously and socially intact to beloved  beings. However, a large part of  the population is unaware or not informed about  the environmental problems that such burials bring to public health and the environment. After the burial, the body begins to go through physical, chemical and microbial processes, along the natural sequence of decomposition performed by bacteria, as well as  by animals and insects. Pathologies, coming from the construction method used in cemeteries, such as cracks in the concrete and masonry, allow these animals and insects to go  into the coffins and take part of the decomposition process. Consequently, they become potential transmitters of diseases. It is important to emphasize that this gathering of animals in the cemeteries causes great discomfort to visitors and annoyance to near by  dwellers. Necroslurry  is a liquid resulting from the decomposition of corpses, which has a sound capacity to percolate soils and groundwater and therefore, contaminate both, soil and groundwater near the cemeteries, due to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in its composition. The vulnerability of soils and aquifers, which can be classified as low, medium or high depending on where the burial occurred, medium or high permeability of the cemetery soil and the position either above or below ground level are some of the factors that Influence the way  necroslurry may reach soils and groundwater. These impacts can cause disease and epidemics, as many cities use such groundwater as their water source and the soil is used produce food crop. . Necroslurry is a greyish and brownish solution, mainly composed of cadaverine, an amine (C₅H₁₄N₂) with a repulsive and nauseating odor, a  putrefaction by-product, besides being formed by water, minerals and organic degradable substances, the medium density is equal to 1.23g / cm³, pH between 5 and 9, at 23 to 28 ° C, in its liquid state is more viscous than water, due to its polymerization and the chemical reactions that produce the polymers. Due to the fact that it is a polymerizable substance, the transportation of necroslurry in its liquid phase is aggravated. The ideal is to use a system that transforms the liquid necroslurry into  gas, using burial and constructive methods proper for this phase,  facilitating the  transportation as well as preventing the contamination to the environment. This article will show how these polymers hamper the attempts to prevent the contamination. It will also show what happens to the polymers resulting from the chemical processes of decomposition of the human body, when they reach the soil and the groundwater. Nowadays, There are, in Brazil, technologies that fulfill  these needs, monitoring the treatment of gases by molecular dissociation and avoiding the polymerization. Some Brazilian cities have already been using modular structures made of carbon steel and materials, which are submitted to a leak test, so as to ensure that the passage of gases and liquids are stopped, creating, in such a way a great sealing capacity. This method is very effective and causes low environmental impact, eliminating the difficulties of the necroslurry treatment and fully complying with CONAMA Resolution 335/2003.

Biography:

Luciana Nunes de Magalhães holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Universidade FUMEC, a master's degree and a PhD in Structural Engineering from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Currently, is a professor at Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais and provides updated courses for engineers and architects in the construction / structural systems area at CREA MG. Has professional experience in the Structural Engineering field, besides publications in magazines and congresses, with emphasis on those systems.

Abstract:

Recycling polymers is a very valued act because of its enormity of waste. Its reuse is ideal in long-life applications such as paving, plastic wood, civil construction, plasticulture, automobile industry and electro-electronics, etc. The process of recycling this material can be mechanical, physical, chemical or even energetic. Most of the current vertical cemeteries are built in concrete, which is a very serious fault, since conventional concrete does not have the structure to withstand the residues generated by the human bodies’ decomposition, causing leakage through the cracks that appear in the slabs of the loci. A sustainable solution to such a complication may be a substitution of this material with recyclable materials, which are usually disposed of in the environment. The recycled polymer from PET is an excellent option because it presents important characteristics such as low water absorption, resistance from aging and because it is innocuous, which means that it does not constitute a substrate for the proliferation of microorganisms. A concrete impregnated with polymers would translate in a reduction of porosity and permeability. Therefore, the objective of this article is to evaluate the efficiency of alternative techniques with the use of polymers in concrete structures in aggressive environments or even new structures based on recycled polymers. There is also the case study in vertical slab of locules, in addition to performance and comparative in the aspect of flexibility and fence. In conclusion, we will have an analysis of the advantages and shortcomings of the insertion of the organic polymer into the mixture of conventional concrete or structures made of polymers and other sustainable materials. In addition, the presentation of proposals of solution with the conditions that the structure is submitted