Resin Production from Starch-Based Bio-Chemicals

Resin Production from Starch-Based Biochemicals Petrochemicals have often been used to create synthetic polymers. However, the depletion of fossil resources and the resulting environmental problems have directed scientists towards developing original, environmentally friendly alternatives. The existence of biopolymers is now recognized by researchers. Biopolymers are synthetic polymers synthesized wholly or partly from biological components through the biosynthesis of living organisms [1]. Biopolymers fall into three main categories: polynucleotides, polysaccharides, and polypeptides. This classification is based on the monomers used and the biopolymer structures formed. Long RNA or DNA chains are known as polynucleotides. Proteins called polypeptides and amino acid chains include fibrin, actin, and collagen. Polysaccharides, which are linear or branched chains of sugar carbohydrates, form the final main category. Polysaccharides include substances such as starch and cellulose. Because biopolymers are produced from natural sources, they contribute to a lower carbon footprint. The importance of starch-based biopolymers has increased in recent years. Starch-based biopolymers, which replace plastics produced from petrochemicals, are significant players in the polymer market. Due to their non-toxic nature, biocompatibility, and similar mechanical and degradation properties, they are excellent candidates for various applications, including the packaging industry [2]. [caption id="attachment_157667" align="aligncenter"] Figure 1. Simple starch example [4].[/caption] The 2022 graph showing the world's bioplastic production capacities [3] was obtained from European Bioplastics from Nova-Institute. As can be clearly seen, starch blends are used in various industries including consumer products outside the packaging sector, agriculture, coatings, additives, and more. [caption id="attachment_157668" align="aligncenter"] Figure 2. Global applications of bioplastics [3].[/caption] Because starch is natural, it can be used in various ways. Starch and other polymers can be physically combined. By mixing these polymers with starch, high-quality sheets and films can be produced. Starch has the ability to form hydrogen bonds with its hydroxyl group and, due to its chemical structure, provides flexibility. Starch/polyester blends can be used in many fields due to their different properties. The addition of fillers to starch-biopolymer composites is an alternative physical technique. This leads to improvements in the material's durability, hardness, stability, permeability, and density, in addition to cost reductions. Starch can be oxidized or chemically modified with unique functional units using chemical techniques. These units include, among others, esters, ethers, isocyanates, phosphates, and nitrates. Bio-based/non-biodegradable polymers continue to maintain their dominance in biodegradable products in the manufacturing sector. However, it is anticipated that production capacities will increase because biodegradable materials are more environmentally friendly. Additionally, starch-based polymeric materials are likely to play a significant role in this growth trend [4]. As İzel Kimya, we hope to expand our presence in this field in the near future. Our R&D department is conducting biopolymer research, and work on starch-based biopolymers will continue.   References 1. A.M. Smith, S. Moxon, G.A. Morris, 13 - Biopolymers as wound healing materials, Editor(s): Magnus S. Ågren, Wound Healing Biomaterials, Woodhead Publishing, 2016, Page 261, ISBN 9781782424567, 2. Shilpi Agarwal, Shailey Singhal, Chirag B. Godiya & Sanjay Kumar (2021): Prospects and Applications of Starch based Biopolymers, International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry. 3. European Bioplastics (2022, March 19). Global Production Capacities of Bioplastics 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022, from https://www.european-bioplastics.org/news/multimedia-pictures-videos/#iLightbox[gallery_image_2]/3. 4. Starch. BYJUS. https://byjus.com/chemistry/starch/2023.   Üstün Utkan Acar - R&D Researcher İzel Kimya Dr. Cemil Dizman - R&D Director İzel Kimya