Katarzyna Wilpiszewska

Novel hydrophilic carboxymethyl starch/montmorillonite nanocomposite films

Preparation of novel carboxymethyl starch (CMS)-based biodegradable films with calcium montmorillonite has been described. The biocomposites were obtained by casting method, glycerol and citric acid were used as plasticizer and crosslinking agent, respectively. The effect of calcium montmorillonite (MMT-Ca) on hydrophilicity (moisture absorption, solubility in water as well as contact angle measurements) was evaluated. Moreover, thermomechanical and mechanical properties of nanocomposites were determined. For all the systems tested intercalated structure of MMT-Ca was revealed, however the most efficient clay platelets dispersion was noted for film containing 5 wt.% MMT-Ca. Such biodegradable CMS/MMT-Ca films exhibiting relatively good mechanical properties could find application in controlled delivery systems as well as in agriculture for seed tapes production where hydrophilicity of polymer carrier is strongly advantageous.

Carboxymethyl starch/montmorillonite composite microparticles: Properties and controlled release of isoproturon.

Preparation of novel high substituted carboxymethyl starch-based microparticles containing sodium montmorillonite (MMT) by crosslinking with Al(3+) was described. For preparing nanocomposite granules carboxymethyl starch (CMS) from native potato starch as well as CMS from amylopectin has been used. The hydrophilic CMS/MMT composite systems were used for herbicide, i.e. isoproturon encapsulation (ca. 75% encapsulation efficiency). The herbicide release rate from CMS/MMT composites in water was significantly reduced when compared to commercial isoproturon: 95% released after ca. 700 h and ca. 24h, respectively. Leaching in soil from composite systems was relatively slower than release in water. After a series of eight irrigations leached about 10% of isoproturon loaded. The CMS/MMT carriers could reduce the potential leaching of herbicide and beneficially reduce pollution of the environment.

Montmorillonite as the catalyst in oxidation of limonene with hydrogen peroxide and in isomerization of limonene

Abstract In our studies montmorillonite (MMT) was used as the heterogeneous, natural catalyst. This material was previously prepared by bentonite purification with help of the sedimentation method. The obtained catalyst was characterized by: XRD, SEM, BET and EDX. Catalytic tests with montmorillonite as the catalyst were performed with the natural terpene – R-(+)-limonene. This compound was oxidized with hydrogen peroxide and, moreover, in the separate process it was also isomerized. As the main products of limonene oxidation were detected: (1,2-8,9)-diepoxide, perillyl alcohol, carvone, carveol, 1,2-epoxylimonene and 1,2-epoxylimonene diol. In the isomerization of R-(+)-limonene were formed: terpinenes, terpinolene and p-cymene. Conversions of limonene in these processes reached 70–80%. The application of montmorillonite (the natural of origin) in the studied processes (oxidation and isomerization) is environmentally friendly, it allows to reduce the cost of the studied processes. The resulting products of the processes of oxidation and isomerization of R-(+)-limonene have many applications.

Fragrant films on the basis of potato starch

Abstract New fragrant and biodegradable starch-based films have been obtained. These films were prepared by the method of the outpour into the Teflon mould of the starch composition containing such fragrant compounds as: eugenol or α-pinene. For characterizing the final products the following properties were taken into account: the solubility in water, the absorbance of moisture from air and the length of release of the fragrant compound. The obtained starch-based films were characterized by the relatively long time of release the fragrant compound and also by the good absorbance of moisture from air. Taking into account the properties of the obtained films, they can find applications in production of appliances used in the bioactive cleaning of air. The prototype of such a product was presented in this work. The presented studies show the potential of applying these materials in the future, and thus these examinations should be developed.

Preparation of Activated Carbon from the Biodegradable film for Co2 Capture Applications

Abstract In this work for the fi rst time, activated carbons were prepared from carboxymethyl fi lm (low-cost carboxymethyl fi lm waste), using chemical activation with potassium hydroxide. The samples were characterized by nitrogen adsorption-desorption at 77 K, XRD, SEM methods. The high values of the specifi c surface area and total pore volume were achieved and were equal to 2064 m2/g and 1.188 cm3/g, respectively. Waste from the fi lm can be immediately utilized without CO2 production. This is the environmentally friendly way of waste utilization. Through this process, we can protect our environment. This study showed that the activated carbon obtained from carboxymethyl fi lm waste can be used as a good adsorbent for CO2 adsorption.

Deep eutectic solvents for polysaccharides processing. A review

In the review a new class of green solvents - Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) as media for polysaccharides treatment has been presented. They are an alternative for ionic liquids, non- or low toxic, biodegradable multipurpose agents obtained via simple and convenient way. Moreover, a large number of composition possibilities allow to tailor their properties. Because of selective solubilization of polysaccharides DES can be used for lignocellulosic biomass delignification, cellulose extraction as well as cellulose nanofibrillation or nanocrystalization. DES have been applied in extraction, separation or purification of some specific biopolymers like chitin, carrageenans and xylans, but also as components of polysaccharide based materials, e.g. plasticizers (mainly for starch, but also for cellulose derivatives, chitosan, agar and agarose), compatibilizers or modifiers. An interest in applying DES as green solvents increased rapidly within last years and it may be expected that their applications in polysaccharides treatment would be developed also on industrial scale.