Chemicals > Biomaterials > Biopolymers

Directive 94/62/CEE on plastic waste requiring alternatives to landfill disposal has fostered the development of so-called biodegradable plastics since 1994. Composed for the most part of biopolymers, these new plastics possess undeniable advantages, in addition to being biodegradable. They can be recycled, incinerated and composted.
The main research directions pursued by AGRICE are studies pertaining to fractionation and purification, functional properties, rheology, biosynthesis by fermentation, and shaping. Work has focused on polysaccharides, proteins, gluten and saccharose. Research projects have demonstrated the technical feasibility of a certain number of products with original properties that could be exploited under reasonable economic conditions. Among the most notable results are packaging and agricultural films, food packaging trays, etc.

2006
The EPICEROL process for obtaining epichlorhydrin, a functional monomer, from "green" glycerine (derived from biodiesel production)
Synthesis of biodegradable biopolymers by oleic diacid/glycerol reactions: applications in construction materials

2005
Preparation of polyurethane elastomeric systems based on polyols or reactive dilutants derived from modified vegetable oils
Preparation of polyurethane elastomeric systems based on polyols or reactive dilutants derived from modified vegetable oils
Synthesis of new glycerol-based biopolymers with low electrostatic capacity and strong physico-chemical resistance, for use in food packaging
A new pathway from sugar to polylactic acid (PLA)
Development of new biodegradable composite biomaterials from polylactic acid and winter flax fibre

2004
Biodegradable starch nanocomposites for packaging
Trade-offs between biodegradability and durability of biodegradable polymer materials
Gluten/polyester copolymerisation for producing biomaterials with controlled durability

2003
Obtaining recyclable and biodegradable barrier materials from paper

2002
Biological synthesis of long-chain dicarboxylic acids

2001
Starch and lignin-based thermoplastic materials: stabilisation by electron beam treatment
Biodegradable mulch cover composed entirely of natural plant materials
Finalisation, characterisation and industrial manufacture of Fiberplast 100% biodegradable films for mulch cover
Plant additives based on micronised beet pulp to improve paper quality

2000
Study of the chemical reactivity of sunflower proteins: obtaining new biodegradable materials
Design of paper/protein composite materials

1999
Obtaining biodegradable materials from maize bran hemicellulose
Bio-nanocomposites derived from starch and cellulose microfibrillae
Obtaining new injection-formable natural composite biomaterials from beet pulp

1997
Starch-lignin biomaterials: ways to improve thermoplastic starches for non-food uses
Agrimaterials from wheat straw and bran
Multilayer films from biopolymers with high starch content

1996
Biodegradable hydrophobic film from maize bran arabinoxylanes
Biomaterials from leguminous proteins (peas, horse-bean)

1994
Thermoformable modified starch with controlled hydrophilic tendency
Non-food uses for coproducts of wheat and beet biofuel production. Enzymatic pathways to new biomaterials
Study and design of biomaterials: wheat-gluten-based films and packaging