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By: Kanittika Samneingjam, Juthamas Mahajaroensiri, Maysinee Kanathananun, Cristina Velasco Aranda, Mario Muñoz, and Somchoke Limwongsaree
1. Kanittika Samneingjam, Research Scholar , Innovation and Product Development Center (IPDC), SCG Packaging PLC, Banpong, 70110, Ratchaburi, Thailand
2. Juthamas Mahajaroensiri, Research Scholar, Innovation and Product Development Center (IPDC), SCG Packaging PLC, Banpong, 70110, Ratchaburi, Thailand
3. Maysinee Kanathananun, Innovation and Product Development Center (IPDC), SCG Packaging PLC, Banpong, 70110, Ratchaburi, Thailand
4. Cristina Velasco Aranda, Deltalab Group, Rubi, 08191, Barcelona, Spain
5. Mario Muñoz, Deltalab Group, Rubi, 08191, Barcelona, Spain
6. Somchoke Limwongsaree, Manager, Innovation and Product Development Center (IPDC), SCG Packaging PLC, Banpong, 70110, Ratchaburi, Thailand
This study investigated the impact of incorporating a 1‑3% by weight of biodegradable additive into polypropylene (PP) using twin‑screw extrusion, followed by injection molding to prepare test specimens. The effects of the additive on the rheological, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties of PP were investigated, along with the impact of two common sterilization methods: autoclave (121°C, 15 min, 0.11 MPa) and electron beam (E-Beam, 50 kGy) irradiation. The results showed that the biodegradable additive minimally affected the flow and melting properties of PP while enhancing the rigidity and heat resistance. Autoclave sterilization, a moist‑heat treatment, significantly improved flexural strength and heat distortion temperature (HDT) by acting as an annealing process. E-Beam irradiation notably increased tensile strength due to radiation‑induced crosslinking but marginally decreased impact strength. However, irradiation also induced oxidative degradation, impacting color stability and lowering surface energy. Despite these changes after treatments, the biodegradable additive showed potential in maintaining PP’s mechanical properties integrity and sustainability, making it a viable option for eco‑friendly labware development. This study highlights the promise of the biodegradable additive for enhancing key properties of PP labware and creating more sustainable plastic labware without compromising product durability and sterilization requirements.
Citation:
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