Nanopores (1 – 10 nm diameter) constructed in solid-state membranes, have shown promise as next-generation biopolymer analysis devices offering both high resolution and high throughput. One promising application of nanopores is in the analysis of nucleic acids, such as DNA. This involves translocation experiments in which DNA is placed in an ionic solution and is forced through a nanopore with the aid of an applied electric field. The modulation of ionic current through the pore during DNA translocation can then be correlated to various properties of the biopolymer such as the length. To optimally design and operate nanopore devices, it would be advantageous to develop an accurate computer simulation methodology to predict the physics of the translocation process. Hence, I have developed a physically accurate, computationally efficient simulation methodology to predict and analyze the physics of biopolymer translocation through solid-state (silicon nitride) nanopores. The overall theme of this thesis is to use this simulation methodology to thoroughly investigate important issues in the physics underlying translocation experiments and thereby determine the effects of key structural and operation parameters, such as nanopore dimensions, applied voltage, hydrodynamic interactions, solvent viscosity, and the polymer chain length. The results from these simulation studies can assist in not only proper nanopore design, but also help determine the proper experimental environments and parameters for nanopore operation.

Conducting polymer is a rapidly developing area of research due to its potential in combining the physical properties of polymers with electrical properties previously found only in inorganic systems. These conducting polymers owe their unique properties to a conjugated polymer backbone and become conducting upon oxidation or reduction. Melanin, a biopolymer, possess a conjugated backbone required of a conducting polymer, and has shown properties of an amorphous semiconductor. However, there has not been much study done in this area despite its potential, and this is partially due to the lack of processing methods as melanin is generally synthesised as an intractable powder. Thus, a better synthetic method was required, and a possible solution is the use of electrochemical synthesis. In our previous study we have shown that melanin can be synthesised electrochemically as a free-standing film, which was the first step towards the use of melanin as a bulk material. This project aims to continue from this preliminary work, investigating the various synthetic parameters and possible modifications as well as investigating possible applications for the electrochemically synthesised melanin film.

abstract: It is estimated that wind induced soil transports more than 500 x 106 metric tons of fugitive dust annually. Soil erosion has negative effects on human health, the productivity of farms, and the quality of surface waters. A variety of different polymer stabilizers are available on the market for fugitive dust control. Most of these polymer stabilizers are expensive synthetic polymer products. Their adverse effects and expense usually limits their use. Biopolymers provide a potential alternative to synthetic polymers. They can provide dust abatement by encapsulating soil particles and creating a binding network throughout the treated area. This research into the effectiveness of biopolymers for fugitive dust control involved three phases. Phase I included proof of concept tests. Phase II included carrying out the tests in a wind tunnel. Phase III consisted of conducting the experiments in the field. Proof of concept tests showed that biopolymers have the potential to reduce soil erosion and fugitive dust transport. Wind tunnel tests on two candidate biopolymers, xanthan and chitosan, showed that there is a proportional relationship between biopolymer application rates and threshold wind velocities. The wind tunnel tests also showed that xanthan gum is more successful in the field than chitosan. The field tests showed that xanthan gum was effective at controlling soil erosion. However, the chitosan field data was inconsistent with the xanthan data and field data on bare soil. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Civil and Environmental Engineering 2011

The recycling industry which is efficiently functioning now has technical expertise, contented consumers, and resource availability and capital contributors. The potential inflow of new material into this existing system should be able to fulfill all the needs of the stakeholders involved in it. With most of the polymer wastes received from the polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), they are available in abundant crossing the threshold quantity (Cornell, 2007) needed for the recycling process to be carried for every single polymer starting from the individual source separation till the granulation of pellets with active investment for the potential expectancy of returns in the recycling market targeting suitable consumers. Unlike other polymers like polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene (PP), biopolymers fail to fulfill the necessary criteria of being in threshold quantity to carry out the recycling process. With the very small inflow of biopolymers in the recycling industry, standalone recycling units for the same is not highly performed and appreciated. In addition to this, there are possible means and ways of the biopolymers getting infused into the conventional petrochemical polymers either through the mis-throws in manual sorting or in automated sorting. Though the studies so far don't have any substantial threatening effect over the biopolymer infusion, still it has its adversity affecting the industry by other means. The volumes of biopolymers are presently small and contamination of biopolymer in the plastic waste stream is presently not a problem. However, with increasing volumes of biopolymers, this can be a problem. Contamination could then be a future problem. This study investigates that problem and checks the truth to the claims of biopolymer infusion in the conventional post-consumer recycling systems affecting the quality of the recyclates. In order to investigate this, a biodegradable biopolymer (TPS & PHA) will be mixed into a conventional polymer (PE, PP, PET) at various percentages. The mechanical and thermal properties are then measured as a function of the percentage biopolymer. In a second part of the project, the blend of conventional plastics and bioplastic is conditioned in humidity in order to simulate what will happen to a conventional polymer that has been contaminated with a biopolymer in a humid climate.

Submitted by Marcos Wanderley (marcos.wanderley@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-07-31T20:22:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 FILIPE SAMPAIO BATISTA - DISSERTAÇÃO(PPGEPM) 2017.pdf: 4329942 bytes, checksum: 55ad9fec74dbaf8ba526dbb0b3c5b8ff (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-31T20:22:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 FILIPE SAMPAIO BATISTA - DISSERTAÇÃO(PPGEPM) 2017.pdf: 4329942 bytes, checksum: 55ad9fec74dbaf8ba526dbb0b3c5b8ff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-08 / CNPq / Neste trabalho são avaliados dois polímeros à base de óleo de soja como redutores de filtrado em fluidos de perfuração sintéticos à base N-parafina, visando sua utilização na perfuração de poço de petróleo e gás. Realizou-se o estudo em duas etapas: primeiramente, a caracterização dos polímeros ( POS1A e POS2A) por meio das análises de espectroscopia no infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR), microscopia óptica (MO), termogravimétrica (TGA), térmica diferencial (DTA) e ensaio de toxicidade; na segunda etapa, a avaliação dos polímeros como redutores de filtrado por meio das propriedades reológicas (viscosidade aparente (VA), viscosidade plástica (VP), limite de escoamento (LE)), da estabilidade elétrica (EE) e do volume de filtrado HPHT (VF) de acordo com as normas da API. Ainda nesta etapa, como critério de balizamento, foram avaliados fluidos sem redutores e com redutor de filtrado padrão, utilizado pela indústria. Os resultados indicam que o polímero POS2A possui maior diâmetro médio de partículas e melhor distribuição dos grãos que POS1A. Os espectros de FTIR dos polímeros indicam a existência de funções carboniladas, ácido carboxílico e éster. A termogravimetria indicou que os polímeros possuem boa estabilidade térmica. O polímero POS2A apresentou baixíssima toxicidade e o POS1A nenhuma toxicidade. Os fluidos apresentaram curvas de fluxos de plásticos de Bingham. Os polímeros não apresentaram influências significativas sobre as propriedades de VA, VP, LE e EE. A presença de polímeros no sistema reduziu os volumes de filtrado HPHT dos fluidos e foram competitivos com o redutor utilizado pela indústria, entretanto, superaram os resultados apenas para os fluidos com concentração de 2g de POS2A, na razão óleo/água 60/40. / In this work we evaluated two soybean oil-based polymers as filtrate reducers in synthetic N-paraffin-based drilling fluids, aiming their use in oil and gas well drilling. This study was conducted in two stages: First, the characterization of the polymers (POS1A and POS2A) by analysing through the Fourier spectroscopy analysis in transformed infrared (FTIR), optical microscopy (OM), thermogravimetric (TGA), differential thermal ((DTA) and toxicity test; In the second stage, the evaluation of the polymers as filtration reducers by means of the rheological properties (apparent viscosity (AV), plastic viscosity (PV), flow limit (FL)), electrical stability (ES) and HPHT filtrate volume (FV) in accordance with API standards. Still in this stage, as a beacon criterion, we evaluate fluids with no reducers and with standard filter reducer, used by the industry. The results indicate that the POS2A polymer has a higher mean particle diameter and better grain distribution than POS1A. The FTIR spectra of the polymers indicate the existence of carbonylated functions, carboxylic acid and ester. Thermogravimetry indicated that the polymers have good thermal stability. The POS2A polymer presented a very low toxicity and POS1A had no toxicity at all. The fluids showed Bingham plastic flow curves. The polymers had no significant influence on the properties of AV, PV, FL and ES. The presence of polymers in the system reduced the volumes of HPHT filtrates from the fluids and were competitive with the reducer used by the industry, however, they exceeded the results only for fluids with a concentration of 2g of POS2A in the 60/40 oil / water ratio.

Submitted by Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (mebiotec.ufba@gmail.com) on 2017-04-04T13:41:41Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO Final - Sueli.pdf: 2426193 bytes, checksum: 5cd08338c3132f14d2db37b31d5b43f8 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Delba Rosa (delba@ufba.br) on 2017-07-06T13:03:30Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO Final - Sueli.pdf: 2426193 bytes, checksum: 5cd08338c3132f14d2db37b31d5b43f8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-06T13:03:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO Final - Sueli.pdf: 2426193 bytes, checksum: 5cd08338c3132f14d2db37b31d5b43f8 (MD5) / FAPESB / Recentemente tem aumentado muito o interesse em exopolissacarideos (EPS) de origem microbiana. Esse composto é um constituinte comum de muitos produtos comerciais em diferentes setores industriais como alimento, petróleo e farmacêutico. O objetivo desse trabalho foi o de quantificar e otimizar a produção de EPS a partir de duas bactérias previamente identificadas como sendo Enterobacter sp., pertencente a coleção de culturas do Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Ecologia de Micro-organismos LABEM. Os isolados foram primeiramente identificados com a nomenclatura CCMICS 544 e CCMICS 549 para ambas as cepas. Testes de cultivo em glicerol identificaram a Enterobacter CCMICS 549 como sendo a mais produtiva entre as cepas testadas alcançando a produção de EPS de aproximadamente 4 g.L-1 em 36 horas. Essa cepa foi submetida a testes genéticos (16S rRNA) e bioquímicos que a identificaram como sendo Enterobacter amnigenus grupo 2. Para otimizar a produção de EPS foi realizado planejamento experimental utilizando a Metodologia “Superficie de Resposta”. Os resultados mostraram que as condições ótimas de cultivo acontecem a 35°C, pH 7.0, agitação de 240 rpm e com 3% glicerol. Nessas condições a produção de EPS foi de 0.05 g.L-1h-1 alcançando um total de (5,012) g.L-1 em 60 horas, e com produção em meio a base de água produzida com produção de 7,27g.L-1. A viscosidade do EPS em solução foi de aproximadamente 160 cP mesmo nas condições de alta salinidade (5% NaCl), temperatura (80 oC) e baixa concentração (1%). O modelo de Ostwald-de-Waele (parâmetros k e n) indicaram um comportamento pseudoplástico em todas as concentrações testadas (0.1-2.0%, w/v), temperaturas (15-80 °C) e, principalmente, salinidade (1 a 5%). A consistência de index indica que o polímero possui propriedades reológicas promissoras para aplicação como fluido de perfuração. O tratamento térmico mostrou que o EPS perde grande parte de sua massa em temperaturas acima de 300°C, mas ainda retém 50% do seu peso total a 1000°C indicando a presença de constituintes minerais em concentrações significantes. A caracterização do EPS no infravermelho identificou semelhanças químicas significativas com a goma Xantana. / The interest in microbial produced exopolysaccharides (EPS) has increased considerably in recent years. This compound is a common constituent of many commercial products in different industrial sectors; such as food, petroleum, and pharmaceuticals. The aim of this study was to quantify and optimize EPS production from two bacterial previously identified as Enterobacter sp., Belonging to a culture collection of the Laboratory of Biotechnology and Ecology of Microorganisms LABEM. The isolates were primarily identified with CCMICS 544 and 549 CCMICS nomenclature for both strains. Culturing tests on glycerol identified Enterobacter CCMICS 549 as more productive among the strains reaching an EPS production value of about 4 g.L-1 within 36 hours. This strain was then submitted to biochemical and genetic characterization (16S rRNA), which identified such strain as Enterobacter amnigenus group 2. To optimize the production of EPS was performed using experimental design methodology "Response Surface". The results showed that the optimum condition was achieved at 35°C, pH 7.0, agitation of 240 rpm and 3% crude glycerol. In such conditions, EPS production was of 0.05 gL-1h-1 reaching a total of 5,012 g.L-1 within 60 hours, with production of water-based medium produced using production 7,27g.L-1. EPS viscosity was of about 160 cP even at high salinity (5% NaCl), temperature (80 oC) and low concentration (1%). The Ostwald-de-Waele model parameters (K and n) indicated a pseudoplastic behavior at all concentrations (0.1 to 2.0%, w/v) temperatures (15-80 °C) and especially saline (1 to 5%). The consistency index indicates that the polymer has rheological properties promising for use as a drilling fluid. Thermal treatment showed that most of mass loss occurs at 300°C, but the polymer retains about 50% of its total weight at 1000°C indicating the significant presence of mineral constituents. The characterization of EPS synthesized by Enterobacter amnigenus infrared identified significant chemical similarities with the xanthan gum.

MIRANDA, Kelvi Wilson Evaristo. Filme antimicrobiano composto de base lipídica com aplicabilidade em alimentos. 2015. 139 f . : Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Departamento de Tecnologia de Alimentos, Fortaleza-CE, 2015 / Submitted by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-07-05T12:44:41Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_kwemiranda.pdf: 3327106 bytes, checksum: f3e79fd6592caaf506a5ef33d484f2e0 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-07-05T12:44:56Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_kwemiranda.pdf: 3327106 bytes, checksum: f3e79fd6592caaf506a5ef33d484f2e0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-05T12:44:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_kwemiranda.pdf: 3327106 bytes, checksum: f3e79fd6592caaf506a5ef33d484f2e0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Hydrocolloid and lipid-based films although they are considered technological innovations, have been studied since the mid-90s as potential replacements for synthetic polymers. This study aimed to develop composite films monolayer (Ms) and bilayers (Bs), with incorporation of acetic acid ester of monoglyceride (MGA) in different concentrations and rosemary essential oil peppermint, Lippia sidoides, for applicability in foods with high moisture content. In a previous experiment, it was determined the percentage of 40% (w/w) of plasticizer (D (-) sorbitol) for composite film formation (starch + lipid). Based on this film, it was prepared an experimental design, using plasticizer and various concentrations of AMS (0 to 20% w/w). The films were developed through casting with a thickness of 0.8 mm and dried at room temperature (25 °C ± 1 °C) 12-15 hours. Diffusion tests were performed on agar; physical properties (color, opacity, thickness, moisture and solubility); morphological (medium size, polydispersity – PdI – zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy - SEM, infrared spectroscopy and Fourier transform - IS-FT); barrier (permeability to water vapor - PWV); mechanical tests (tensile strength - TS, rupture elongation - RE - and elastic modulus - EM); termoanalítica (differential scanning calorimetry - DSC). It’s believed that the films have shown a bacteriostatic studied in microorganisms (S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. Typhimurium). Color analysis showed statistical significance (p<0.05) between mono and bilayer films. The opacity, showed variations from 214.74 to 323.12 A.nm (Ms) and 161.69 to 411.54 A.nm (Bs), except for the treatments with 10% and 15% lipid that doesn’t varied statistically (p<0.05) between Ms and Bs. The thicknesses resulted in asignificant difference (p<0.05) between treatments, ranging from 12% (Ms) and 48% (Bs). The films showed low solubility in aqueous media, with no separation of the layers. The Bs films presented stability of filmogenic solutions, combined with electrokinetic interactions of interaction between the layers, low solubility (16%), heat resistance, PdIbetween0.35 to 0.53; PVA around 2.232 g.mm/kPa.h.m², whose mechanical tests demonstrated tha the Bs films are hard and low elasticity with respect to Ms films, development perspective of a non-flexible packaging with excellent application in food with high moisture content, animal and/or plant origin. / Os filmes à base de hidrocóloides e lipídios apesar de serem consideradas inovações tecnológicas, vêm sendo estudados desde meados dos anos 90 como substitutos em potencial dos polímeros sintéticos. Este trabalho objetivou desenvolver filmes compostos em monocamada (Ms) e bicamadas (Bs), com incorporação de éster de monoglicerídeo de ácido acético (MGA) em diferentes concentrações e, óleo essencial de alecrim-pimenta, Lippia sidoides, para aplicabilidade em alimentos com alto teor de umidade. Em experimento prévio, determinou-se o percentual de 40% (m/m) de plastificante (D (-) sorbitol) para formação de filme composto (amido+lipídio). Com base neste filme, elaborou-se um delineamento experimental, utilizando-se plastificante e, diferentes concentrações de MGA (0 a 20%, m/m). Os filmes foram desenvolvidos através de casting, com espessura de 0,8 mm e secos à temperatura ambiente (25 ºC ± 1 ºC) entre 12-15 horas. Foram realizados teste de difusão em ágar; propriedade física (cor, opacidade, espessura, umidade e solubilidade); morfológica (tamanho médio, polidispersividade – PDI, potencial zeta, microscopia eletrônica de varredura – MEV, e espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier – FT-IR); barreira (permeabilidade ao vapor de água – PVA); ensaios mecânicos (resistência à tração – RT, elongação de ruptura – ER – e módulo de elástico – ME); termoanalítica (calorimetria diferencial de varredura – DSC). Acredita-se que os filmes tenham apresentado ação bacteriostática nos micro-organismos estudados (S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E. coli, P. aeruginosa e S. Typhimurium). A cor apresentou diferença estatística (p<0,05) entre os filmes mono e bicamadas. A opacidade, apresentou variações de 214,74 a323,12 A.nm (Ms) e, 161,69 a411,54 A.nm (Bs), exceto para os tratamentos com 10% e 15% de lipídio que não variaram estatisticamente (p<0,05) entre Ms e Bs. A espessura resultou em uma diferença significativa (p<0,05) entre os tratamentos, variando 12% (Ms) e 48% (Bs). Os filmes apresentaram baixa solubilidade em meio aquoso, sem que houvesse a separação das camadas. Os filmes Bs apresentaram estabilidade das soluções filmogênicas, associado a interações eletrocinéticas de interação entre as camadas, baixa solubilidade (16%), resistência térmica, PDI entre 0,35-0,53; PVA em torno de 2,232 g.mm/kPa.h.m², cujos ensaios mecânicos demonstraram que os filmes Bs são rígidos e com baixa elasticidade em relação aos filmes Ms, evidenciando perspectiva de desenvolvimento de uma embalagem não flexível, com potencial de aplicação em alimentos com alto teor de umidade.

A literatura destacada nesta pesquisa considerou que, no contexto organizacional, a inovação teve seu papel reforçado na função de contribuir para o desenvolvimento sustentável. Nesse sentido, o quadro das mudanças climáticas suscita o desenvolvimento de tecnologias sustentáveis e a obtenção de matérias-primas limpas. Dessa forma, esta pesquisa teve como foco de investigação a análise de como ocorre o processo de inovação na cadeia produtiva do plástico verde, ao se substituir um recurso não renovável (a nafta) por um renovável (etanol da cana-de-açúcar), a partir da organização focal sob a ótica da sustentabilidade. Para tanto, a pesquisa foi classificada como exploratória e descritiva e a natureza dos dados versou sobre a abordagem qualitativa. Este trabalho teve como método central o estudo de caso, que compreendeu a realização de treze entrevistas ao longo da cadeia produtiva do plástico verde (considerando a Braskem como a organização focal). A partir da perspectiva da organização focal, o diamante da inovação total foi aplicado ao objeto de estudo desta pesquisa. As características do plástico verde extrapolam a inovação de natureza tecnológica, a sustentabilidade do produto está também atrelada ao uso da matéria-prima renovável (etanol da cana-de-açúcar), evidenciando o fato de o dióxido de carbono ser capturado da atmosfera ao longo do cultivo da cana, permanecendo fixado durante o ciclo de vida do produto. O desenvolvimento dos biopolímeros justifica-se pela finitude do petróleo e de o mesmo agravar as emissões dos gases do efeito estufa. Esse desenvolvimento se deve também às vantagens climáticas tidas para produção de cana-de-açúcar e à extensão de terras disponíveis para o cultivo no território brasileiro. Com base na discussão teórica de que a organização focal é capaz de induzir a inovação em suas cadeias produtivas, buscou-se verificar quais efeitos à montante e à jusante foram desencadeados pela Braskem ao considerar a inovação do plástico verde. Dos spillovers à montante, visualizou-se que, para a produção do plástico verde, a substituição da matéria-prima provocou mudanças expressivas na cadeia suprimentos. A cana-de-açúcar conferiu à cadeia, por meio da captação do dióxido de carbono, a redução das emissões dos gases do efeito estufa. Infere-se que o Código de Conduta para os Fornecedores de Etanol da Braskem foi o principal efeito à montante desencadeado. Os principais efeitos à jusante fomentados pela organização focal conferem a importância ambiental sugerida pelo produto. Clientes potenciais foram identificados pela organização focal e, para os mesmos, foi criado o selo I’m green™, podendo ser considerado um dos principais spillovers à jusante. Na maioria dos casos, a utilização do plástico verde agrega valor aos produtos, o que pode se tornar um diferencial competitivo para as organizações que o utilizam. No caso estudado, evidenciou-se que, a partir de exemplos de ações e práticas, a política de sustentabilidade da organização focal é alicerçada nas três principais dimensões da sustentabilidade. Ademais, a partir da análise do diamante da inovação total, das características do plástico verde e das ações discutidas nos elos em termos de inovação e de sustentabilidade, pode-se avançar na discussão teórica inferindo que o plástico verde pode ser considerado uma inovação sustentável. / The literature highlighted in this research considered that, in an organizational context, innovation has strengthened its role in the function of contributing to sustainable development. Thereby, the climate change scenario adds to the development of sustainable technologies and achievement of clean raw materials. This research has focused on the analysis of how the innovation process occurs in the green plastic supply chain, by replacing a non-renewable resource (naphtha from oil) for a renewable one (ethanol from sugarcane), from the focal organizational, considering the sustainability perspective. Therefore, this research was classified as exploratory and descriptive, due to its qualitative nature. The central method used was a case study; it included thirteen interviews related to the green plastic supply chain (considering Braskem as the focal organization). From the perspective of the focal organization, the diamond of the total innovation was applied to the research. The characteristics of green plastic extrapolate the nature of technological innovation. The sustainability of the product is also linked to the use of renewable input (ethanol from sugar cane), highlighting the fact that the carbon dioxide is captured from the atmosphere over the cultivation of sugarcane, remaining fixed during the life cycle of the product. The biopolymers development is justified by the oil finiteness and its aggravating the greenhouse gas emissions. This development is also due to climate advantages obtained by the production of sugarcane and the amount of available land for cultivation in Brazil. Based on the theoretical discussion of the focal organization, it is able to induce innovation in their supply chains, determining which upstream and downstream effects were initiated by Braskem to consider the green plastic innovation. Based on upstream spillovers, it was visualized that, for the green plastic production, the replacement of the raw material caused significant changes in the supply chain. The sugarcane gave to the chain, by the capture of carbon dioxide, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It is inferred that the Conduct Code for Braskem Ethanol Suppliers was the main upstream factor that triggered these outcomes. The main downstream effects developed by the focal organization are related to the environmental importance suggested by this product. Potential clients have been identified by the focal organization and, for them, the I’m green™ mark was created, which can be considered a major downstream spillover. In most cases, the use of green plastic adds value to the products, which can become a competitive advantage for organizations that use it. In the case studied, it became clear that, from examples of actions and practices, the sustainability policy of the focal organization is sustained on the three main dimensions of sustainability. Moreover, from the analysis of the diamond of the total innovation, the characteristics of the green plastic and the actions discussed in innovation and sustainability perspectives, it can advance the theoretical discussion inferring that the green plastic can be considered a sustainable innovation.

The recycling industry which is efficiently functioning now has technical expertise, contented consumers, and resource availability and capital contributors. The potential inflow of new material into this existing system should be able to fulfill all the needs of the stakeholders involved in it. With most of the polymer wastes received from the polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), they are available in abundant crossing the threshold quantity (Cornell, 2007) needed for the recycling process to be carried for every single polymer starting from the individual source separation till the granulation of pellets with active investment for the potential expectancy of returns in the recycling market targeting suitable consumers. Unlike other polymers like polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene (PP), biopolymers fail to fulfill the necessary criteria of being in threshold quantity to carry out the recycling process. With the very small inflow of biopolymers in the recycling industry, standalone recycling units for the same is not highly performed and appreciated. In addition to this, there are possible means and ways of the biopolymers getting infused into the conventional petrochemical polymers either through the mis-throws in manual sorting or in automated sorting. Though the studies so far don't have any substantial threatening effect over the biopolymer infusion, still it has its adversity affecting the industry by other means. The volumes of biopolymers are presently small and contamination of biopolymer in the plastic waste stream is presently not a problem. However, with increasing volumes of biopolymers, this can be a problem. Contamination could then be a future problem. This study investigates that problem and checks the truth to the claims of biopolymer infusion in the conventional post-consumer recycling systems affecting the quality of the recyclates. In order to investigate this, a biodegradable biopolymer (TPS &amp; PHA) will be mixed into a conventional polymer (PE, PP, PET) at various percentages. The mechanical and thermal properties are then measured as a function of the percentage biopolymer. In a second part of the project, the blend of conventional plastics and bioplastic is conditioned in humidity in order to simulate what will happen to a conventional polymer that has been contaminated with a biopolymer in a humid climate.

abstract: Fossil resources have enabled the development of the plastic industry in the last century. More recently biopolymers have been making gains in the global plastics market. Biopolymers are plastics derived from plants, primarily corn, which can function very similarly to fossil based plastics. One difference between some of the dominant biopolymers, namely polylactic acid and thermoplastic starch, and the most common fossil-based plastics is the feature of compostability. This means that biopolymers represent not only a shift from petroleum and natural gas to agricultural resources but also that these plastics have potentially different impacts resulting from alternative disposal routes. The current end of life material flows are not well understood since waste streams vary widely based on regional availability of end of life treatments and the role that decision making has on waste identification and disposal. This dissertation is focused on highlighting the importance of end of life on the life-cycle of biopolymers, identifying how compostable biopolymer products are entering waste streams, improving collection and waste processing, and quantifying the impacts that result from the disposal of biopolymers. Biopolymers, while somewhat available to residential consumers, are primarily being used by various food service organizations trying to achieve a variety of goals such as zero waste, green advertising, and providing more consumer options. While compostable biopolymers may be able to help reduce wastes to landfill they do result in environmental tradeoffs associated with agriculture during the production phase. Biopolymers may improve the management for compostable waste streams by enabling streamlined services and reducing non-compostable fossil-based plastic contamination. The concerns about incomplete degradation of biopolymers in composting facilities may be ameliorated using alkaline amendments sourced from waste streams of other industries. While recycling still yields major benefits for traditional resins, bio-based equivalents may provide addition benefits and compostable biopolymers offer benefits with regards to global warming and fossil fuel depletion. The research presented here represents two published studies, two studies which have been accepted for publication, and a life-cycle assessment that will be submitted for publication. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Civil and Environmental Engineering 2015