Title: Utilisation of agro-waste extract in thermoplastics

Authors: Kenneth J. Olejar; Sudip Ray; Paul A. Kilmartin

Addresses: School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand ' School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand ' School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract: Functionally active polymers were created through the incorporation of an extract from an agro-waste stream from the wine industry. Incorporation of this extract into three thermoplastics shows its potential to increase antioxidant activity, with minimal to no impact on the mechanical attributes of the polymers. Antioxidant activity was shown to be effective at a concentration of 1%(w/w) grape tannin in polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The ability to obtain antioxidant activity at low concentrations helps minimise costs and maintain polymer physical properties. The binding of the phenolic compounds results in low leachability, thereby ensuring that the active compounds remain in the polymer for greater long-term effectiveness.

Keywords: thermoplastics; agro-waste extract; antioxidant activity; agricultural waste; functionally active polymers; wine industry; grape tannin; polypropylene; linear low-density polyethylene; LLDPE; binding; phenolic compounds; low leachability; winery wastes; antimicrobial activities; polyethylene terephthalate; PET; melt blending.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2017.082480

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2017 Vol.14 No.1/2/3/4/5/6, pp.304 - 312

Published online: 24 Feb 2017 *

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