Work

Oxidation Strength of PLA Filled with Algal Biomass and Rosemary Extract Powders for Food-Safe Handling

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is widely used in food-contact applications due to its bio-based origin, compostability, and transparency; however, its limited resistance to thermo-oxidative degradation remains a challenge for applications involving repeated thermal exposure. The moderate but repetitive heating conditions commonly encountered during food use and pre-recycling stages were analyzed for the samples filled with algal biomass and rosemary extract, additives accepted for use in the food industry. In this context, the present study introduces a comparative and application-driven approach by evaluating the effect of food-grade fillers-rosemary extract, spirulina biomass, and kelp biomass-incorporated at low loadings (0.5-3 wt%) on the thermal and oxidative behavior of PLA subjected to repeated heating at 80 °C. The presented results show algal biomasses as multifunctional fillers and benchmark their performance against a well-established natural extract. By combining DSC, FTIR, and chemiluminescence analyses, the study aims to clarify whether such bio-fillers act as stabilizing or destabilizing factors under realistic service-life thermal stress. This strategy provides insight into the suitability of algae-based fillers for food-contact PLA materials from both performance and recyclability perspectives.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym18040504

Authors: Traian Zaharescu, Marius Bumbac, Cristina Mihaela Nicolescu, Aurora Craciun, Radu Mirea

Institutions: Valahia University of Targoviste, Ovidius University, Romanian Research and Development Institute for Gas Turbines

Language: English

Topic: biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258