Eco-Friendly Bioplastic with Eggshell Nano Blend

Introduction

This nano-engineered eggshell biopolymer blend technology offers a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics, addressing the growing demand for environmentally friendly materials. With its enhanced flexibility and durability, this biopolymer blend is ideal for a range of applications, including biodegradable packaging, agricultural films, and other eco-conscious products. For companies looking to lead in the bioplastics industry, this technology offers a significant opportunity to reduce environmental impact while delivering high-performance materials that meet consumer and regulatory demands for sustainability.

The Challenge: Reducing Plastic Waste and Pollution

Traditional plastics, while widely used, pose serious environmental challenges due to their long degradation times and contribution to pollution. Single-use plastics, in particular, are a major concern for ecosystems and waste management systems. With increasing pressure from governments, consumers, and environmental organizations to reduce plastic waste, there is a growing demand for alternatives that maintain the functional qualities of plastics while being more environmentally friendly. Developing sustainable materials that can biodegrade effectively without sacrificing performance has become a priority for many industries.

Nano-Engineered Biopolymers for Sustainable Applications

This biopolymer blend technology, incorporating nano-engineered eggshell particles, delivers a flexible and durable material that is fully biodegradable. The nano-engineering process enhances the mechanical properties of the biopolymer, making it a versatile option for applications where strength, flexibility, and biodegradability are required. The material is suitable for food packaging, agricultural films, and other disposable products where traditional plastics would typically be used. Its biodegradability ensures that it breaks down naturally, reducing waste and lessening the environmental burden caused by plastic pollution.

Key Benefits for Packaging, Agriculture, and Environmental Sectors

For packaging companies, this biopolymer blend offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging, meeting consumer demand for eco-friendly options without compromising product quality. Agricultural companies can use the material for biodegradable films that protect crops while decomposing safely in the environment. The material’s flexibility and strength also make it suitable for a variety of other applications, such as disposable utensils, food storage solutions, and more. Its eco-friendly properties align with growing market trends focused on reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Invest in Biodegradable Innovation

Licensing this nano-engineered biopolymer blend technology provides your company with a competitive edge in the growing market for sustainable materials. By offering a flexible, durable, and fully biodegradable solution, your business can meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly products while supporting global sustainability efforts. This technology is a valuable investment for companies committed to reducing their environmental footprint and leading the charge in the development of green alternatives to traditional plastics.

A biopolymer blend is provided that comprises a combination of three components: poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT); agriculture sourced polylactic acid (PLA); and engineered proteinaceous eggshell nanoparticles. The two polymer components can be present in any ratio but an approximate 70:30 ratio is preferred. The engineered proteinaceous eggshell nanoparticles are preferably about 10-25 nanometers. Also provided are methods of preparing biopolymer film and packaging components. Pelleted poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and agriculture sourced polylactic acid (PLA) are dissolved in chloroform and mixed together to form a polymer blend, and engineered proteinaceous eggshell nanoparticles are incorporated into the polymer blend, which is then extruded to create a biopolymer film or component.

The invention claimed is:

1. A biopolymer blend comprising a combination of three components:

a) poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT);
b) polylactic acid (PLA); and
engineered proteinaceous eggshell nanoparticles (PENP),
wherein the PENP is present in an amount of between 0.5 to 2.0% wt. of the biopolymer blend; wherein the PENP are between the size of 10-25 nanometers; wherein the PENP are highly crystalline, irregular, and porous; and
wherein the PBAT and PLA are present in a 70:30 ratio.
2. The biopolymer blend of claim 1 wherein the PENP is present in an amount of between 0.5 to 1.0% wt. of the biopolymer blend.
3. The biopolymer blend of claim 1 wherein the PENP is present in an amount of 2.0% wt. of the biopolymer blend.
4. The biopolymer blend of claim 1, wherein the PENP is present in an amount of between 0.5 to 1.0% wt. of the biopolymer blend.
5. The biopolymer blend of claim 1, wherein the PLA is derived from a renewable agriculture based source.
6. The biopolymer blend of claim 5, wherein the renewable agriculture based source is at least one of: corn, corn starch, tapioca roots, tapioca chips, tapioca starch, sugar beets, or sugarcane.

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Title

Nano engineered eggshell flexible biopolymer blend and methods of making biopolymer blend film and using such bioplastic blends for improved biodegradeable applications

Inventor(s)

Vijaya Rangari, Boniface Tiimob

Assignee(s)

Tuskegee University

Patent #

11078359

Patent Date

August 3, 2021

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