Recent Studies from Polytechnic University of Valencia Add New Data to Chemicals and Chemistry [Thermo-compressed Films of Poly(Butylene Succinate) Reinforced With Cellulose Fibers Obtained From Rice Straw By Green Extraction Methods].

Researchers from the Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain have conducted a study on the valorization of rice straw into cellulose fibers for use in food packaging. They explored two green extraction methods, subcritical water extraction (SWE) and combined ultrasound-heating treatment (USHT), to obtain the fibers. The fibers were then pretreated with (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GPS) and incorporated into poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) by melt-mixing. The resulting green composites were shaped into films by thermo-compression and showed improved rigidity and enhanced oxygen barrier properties, making them suitable for food packaging applications. [Extracted from the article]