Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Fossil-based plastics are widely used in packaging because of their low cost, processability, and exceptional barrier performance. However, their nonrenewable origin, short lifespan, and resistance to degradation in the environment present major challenges. Suberin and cutin are two types of biopolyesters found in plants, which can be used as renewable feedstock for the synthesis of bio-based plastics. Here, we extracted suberin monomers from birch bark and combined them with two building-blocks monomers found in cutin; a long chain ω-hydroxy fatty acid and a diacid, to produce cross-linked semi crystalline polyester films by melt polycondensation and thermoforming. Increasing the cutin monomer content promoted crystallization and increased the films’ stiffness and strength. Additionally, it reduced water vapor transmission rates and oxygen permeability, reaching properties comparable to short chain polyesters such as polylactide and poly ε-caprolactone. All films blocked the UV radiation below 400 nm. The resulting properties highlight suberin/cutin-based plastics as a potential future green packaging material.
Source: ChemRxiv
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7213979844