Production and high-functionability of biodegradable bio-based plastics synthesized from non-edible biomass

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22245026
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Environmental chemistry
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: IWATA Tadahisa 東京大学, 農学生命科学研究科, 教授 (30281661)
• Project Period (FY): 2010-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: バイオベースプラスチック / 生分解性プラスチック / フィルム / 繊維 / 酵素分解性 / キシラン / ポリ乳酸 / 微生物産生ポリエステル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aims of this study are the production of new bio-based plastics from non-edible biomass and the high-functionability of biodegradable plastics. Xylan, one of hemicelluloses extracted from wood, was esterified to add the thermos-plasticity and we succeed to process the flexible films and nanofibers. And also, it was found that xylan ester derivatives became a good nucleate agent for poly(lactic acid) that is the most important bio-based and biodegradable plastic. On the other hand, ultra-high-molecular-weight microbial polyesters have been synthesized and succeeded to process the high tensile strength films and fibers. The molecular and crystals structures were analyzed by the X-ray diffraction at synchrotron radiation. Furthermore, it was revealed that the rate of enzymatic degradation can be controlled by the crystallinity and molecular structures.

Free Research Field

高分子材料学