biodégradables ; matériaux
A material is considered biodegradable if it can be broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or algae. Packaging and plastic bags are among the first applications targeted by biodegradable bioplastics.
Materia Nova is actively involved in the development of custom biodegradable polymer materials, designed to meet specific technical requirements and controlled degradation conditions (pH, temperature, humidity, presence of microorganisms). These materials are obtained through:
  • Chemical or biological synthesis of new monomers or polymers,
  • Chemical modification of natural or commercially available biopolymers,
  • Or compounding, including the development of polyester-based masterbatches with cellulose nanofibers to enhance mechanical and barrier properties.
As part of a collaboration with an industrial partner, Materia Nova has developed biodegradable films for food packaging, based on PLA/PBAT blends (with a minimum of 30% PLA), produced via blown film extrusion.
Two compatibilization strategies were explored:
  • Reactive compatibilization: the addition of epoxy-based additives that promote coupling reactions between polymer chains, improving dispersion and tear resistance.
  • Non-reactive compatibilization: the synthesis of a PLA-PBAT-PLA triblock copolymer acting as an interfacial agent, stabilizing the blend without chemical reaction.
The resulting films were tested using standardized protocols (trouser tear test) and demonstrated high mechanical performance, while complying with food contact regulations.

OUR STRENGTHS :

  • Materia Nova is able to cover all stages of development of these materials. From the development (from a few grams to a few kilograms) to the preparation of the monomers, to the development and choice of the appropriate catalytic system and to the control of the polymerisation, while being accompanied by an analysis of the efficiency of the biodegradation in different substrates (compost, soil, water). Materia Nova offers its services to assist in the development of your biodegradable molecules and materials via standardised tests (e.g. ISO 13975) but also via customised tests.
  • Materia Nova has all the necessary implementation and experimental techniques to carry out these developments.
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