Synthesis and characterization of fully bio-based poly(butylene sebacate) and its application in meat packaging
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study contributes to the advancement of the Bioeconomy goals by demonstrating the synthesis, comprehensive performance analysis, and novel application of 100% bio-based poly(butylene sebacate) (PBS b ) in food packaging. In this approach, PBS b with number-molecular weight ( M n ) of 20,050 g·mol −1 and weight-average molecular weight ( M w ) of 55,000 g·mol −1 was successfully obtained via a two-stage reaction, including esterification and transesterification, using renewable sebacic acid and 1,4-butanediol. The resultant biopolyester was processed into thermo-compressed 135-μm films and characterized for ascertaining its potential in food packaging. In terms of thermal stability, PBS b films can resist temperatures of up to 390 °C. They are highly ductile with an elongation at break ( ε b ) value over 90%, and yielded moderate permeability and hence barrier properties against water vapor (2.1 × 10 −14 kg·m·m −2 ·s −1 ·Pa −1 ) and oxygen (8 × 10 –18 m 3 ·m·m −2 ·s −1 ·Pa −1 ), being promising in flexible packaging applications. Finally, the biopolyester was further evaluated in the shape of heat-sealed packaging pouches for fresh lean pork filet preservation under refrigeration conditions. The PBS b bags successfully maintained meat quality in terms of physico-chemical and microbial parameters for up to ten days, resulting very promising for sustainable packaging applications.
Source: Industrial Crops and Products
Institution: Universitat Politècnica de València
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,720
OpenAlex ID: W7225635252