Despite efforts by all sectors of society to improve the collection and recycling of plastics in order to promote a circular economy, some synthetic materials inevitably end up in the environment due to littering, wind, rain and wear and tear.
From summer 2023, Wageningen Food and Bio-based Research (WFBR) is involved in the ULTRADREAM project. This project, funded by TKI-AF, focuses on the use of agricultural by-products and residues to develop novel modified bio-based renewable polymers. These polymers have an inherent ability to biodegrade at the end of their life, helping to reduce their environmental impact.
WFBR's approach is to test the incorporation of specific bio-derived monomers into polymers to increase their biodegradation potential under UV exposure. If this approach is successful, it will help to prevent the continued environmental impact of these polymers at the end of their useful life. Recent results from our organization have shown that some specific carbohydrate-derived building blocks are very sensitive to degradation under UV irradiation. Therefore, the incorporation of these building blocks into the original polymer structure could improve the biodegradability of the obtained polymers when exposed to sunlight/UV irradiation. These polymers can be used in applications such as packaging, agricultural films or decorative and paper coatings." Ghazal Tavakoli, project leader, explained.
The scientist with a background in organic chemistry is excited about the possible impact of this research: "In the ULTRADREAM project, we have developed techniques and protocols to ensure the successful degradation of these materials at the end of their life. Our challenge is to further understand the underlying mechanisms of biodegradation and to improve the associated procedures and processes to obtain the optimal combination of UV degradation while maintaining the desired properties. This could be an important step towards creating a sustainable circular economy."
Recycled raw materials
Both the photo-unstable monomers used to make the polymers and the raw polymers themselves are derived from agricultural by-products, Tavakoli said, "We are converting low-value non-food residues into high-value-added functional products. In this way, we develop new biorenewable, biodegradable materials with higher recycling potential."
practical effect
This project, executed with partners such as Archer Daniels Midland, AkzoNobel and Ollemans Plastics, is dedicated to the development of plastic products for a variety of uses. Most notable are applications such as coatings and mulch used in agriculture. Collaboration with partners in the development of these products has brought many benefits. Tavakoli explains, "The products we developed in this project fit well with their goal of further developing their recycled products, enabling them to expand the range of applications for their renewable platform. At the same time, working with industrial partners helps us to gain more knowledge of the field and expand our expertise."
The practical significance of this research is of particular interest because of the composition of the project team, says Tavakoli: "Our team consists of chemists, materials scientists and process engineers. In this way, we can immediately confirm that the technologies we develop in the laboratory are also suitable for practical applications. Making research results into solutions that everyone can benefit from immediately."
