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Polyesters based on 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) are a new class of biobased polymers with enormous interest, both from a scientific and industrial perspective. The commercialization of these polymers is imminent as the pressure for a sustainable economy grows, and extensive worldwide research currently takes place on developing cost-competitive, renewable plastics. The most prevalent method for imparting these polymers with new properties is copolymerization, as many studies have been published over the last few years. This present review aims to summarize the trends in the synthesis of FDCA-based copolymers and to investigate the effectiveness of this approach in transforming them to a more versatile class of materials that could potentially be appropriate for a number of high-end and conventional applications.

Microplastics have become one of the greatest environmental challenges worldwide. To turn this dramatic damage around, EU regulators now want to ensure that plastic itself is fully recyclable or biodegradable. The aim of the present work is to develop a biobased and biodegradable biocomposite based on commercial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and nanoclays, with the objective of achieving a reduction of rancid odour while avoiding any loss in thermomechanical properties, thus tackling two key disadvantages of PHAs. This research aims at completely characterising the structural, thermal and mechanical behaviour of the formulations developed, understanding the compatibility mechanisms in order to be able to assess the best commercial combinations for industrial applications in the packaging and automotive sectors. We report the development of nine nanobiocomposite materials based on three types of commercial PHA matrices: a linear poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), two copolymers based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB-co-P4HB), and nanoclays, which represent a different polar behaviour. Dispersion achieved is highly relevant compared with literature results. Our findings show impressive mechanical enhancements, in particular for P3HB reinforced with sepiolite modified via aminosilanes.

Polymers which are biodegradable in vivo and in the environment, especially those of natural origin, are perceived by the public as a valuable alternative to non biodegradable plastics. However, biodegradability, although important, cannot be the only driving force for the market acceptance of so called "green" plastics and chemicals. The applications of traditional oil-based plastics and plastic additives span from commodities to specialties, due to their performances and sometimes affordable costs. Can naturally derived polymers and additives face the challenge of petro-plastics and chemicals? Can we use the experience acquired in the so-called "plastic age" to tailor the performances of natural polymers and polymer additives for a demanding technological world? Several experiences on the processing of natural biodegradable polymers and on their formulation with additives coming from natural sources to obtain modified plastics, blends or composites are reviewed. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Considering the needs of designing suitable food packaging that is able to decrease food losses while reducing the overall environmental impact of the food/packaging system, full biocomposites, i.e., both biodegradable and bio-sourced, are becoming serious candidates for food packaging applications. This article aims at reviewing the knowledge about the functional properties of vegetal fibers-based biocomposites, by considering the specific stakes relative to the food packaging application, i.e., the targeted functional properties, including mechanical properties and mass transfer properties (especially the permeability toward O2, CO2, and water vapor), the processability of materials using conventional equipments, the economical competitiveness, and the food safety. The first part summarizes the main characteristics of the constituents, i.e., matrices and fillers, and the processing routes to prepare biocomposites. In the second part, the ways to better understand and control the mass transfer properties in biocomposites will be deciphered by reminding the role of mass transfers in the food/packaging system and by focusing on how mass transfer properties are impacted by the material structure and mechanical properties. Food safety aspects will also be considered, by highlighting the possible undesirable migration from biocomposites toward food. This review will conclude on the main bottlenecks that should be resolved in order to make the use of biocomposites more viable for food packaging applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42528.