Bagasse-based polymers

Bagasse is a sugarcane-based polymer that can be made into paper-like products for packaging, disposable tableware, and containers (Liyana et al. 2012). Bagasse is a fiber-pulp product that is part of the sugarcane stalk. Bagasse fibers can be processed similar to paper pulp to produce compostable products for stationary, paper products, food packaging, and disposable service ware (Baud et al. 2007). 

Nonwood fibers are used in relatively small volumes. Examples of nonwood pulps and products include cotton Enters for writing paper and filters, bagasse for cormgated media, esparto for filter paper, or Manila hemp for tea bags. Synthetic pulps which are based on such materials as glass (qv) and polyolefins also are used (see Olefin polymers). These pulps are relatively expensive and usually are used in blends with wood pulps where they contribute a property such as tear resistance, stiffness, or wet strength which is needed to meet a specific product requirement. 

Acid anhydrides have been employed with, and without the use of a base catalyst. For example, acetates, propionates, butyrates, and their mixed esters, DS of 1 to ca. 3, have been obtained by reaction of activated cellulose with the corresponding anhydride, or two anhydrides, starting with the one with the smaller volume. In all cases, the distribution of both ester groups was almost statistic. Activation has been carried out by partial solvent distillation, and later by heat activation, under reduced pressure, of the native cellulose (bagasse, sisal), or the mercerized one (cotton linters). No catalyst has been employed the anhydride/AGU ratio was stoichiometric for microcrystalhne cellulose. Alternatively, 50% excess of anhydride (relative to targeted DS) has been employed for fibrous celluloses. In all cases, polymer degradation was minimum, and functionalization occurs preferentially at Ce ( C NMR spectroscopic analysis [52,56,57]). 

Furan polymers are based on furfuryl alcohol, which is derived from agricultural residues such as corncobs, rice hulls, oat hulls, or sugar cane bagasse. The furan prepolymer is usually cross-linked with furfuryl alcohol, furfuraldehyde, or formaldehyde to yield thermosetting polymers, highly resistant to most aqueous acidic or basic solutions and strong solvents such as ketones, aromatics, and chlorinated compounds. The important characteristic of furan resins is their ability to be stored for long periods of time (up to 5 years), even at low temperatures. 

Zapeiropoulos NE, Baillie CA, Matthews FL (2001) A study of transcrystallinity and its effect on the interface in flax fibre reinforced composite materials. Compos A 32(3) 525-543 Hagstrand PO, Oksman K (2001) Mechanical properties and morphology of flax fiber reinforced melamine-formaldehyde composites. Polym Comp 22(4) 568-578 Vazquez A, Dominguez V, Kenny JM (1999) Bagasse-fiber-polypropylene based composites. J Therm Compos Mater 12 477-497... 

Most synthetic resins are petrochemical-based. Furan resins are unique in that they are agriculturally based, with the furfurayl alochol produced from agricultural byproducts such as com cobs, bagasse, rice, and oat hulls. Although the most versatile of all resins in use, furan resins are not a popular choice for use as polymer concrete because of their tendency to shrink and their brittleness. They do provide a wide range of corrosion resistance and are resistant to atmospheric corrosion (see Table 10.2). 

Vercelheze, A. E. S., Fakbouri, F. M., Dall antonia, L. H., Urbano, A., Youssef, A. E., Yamashita, R, and Mali, S. 2012. Properties of baked foams based on cassava starch, sugarcane bagasse fibers and montmorillonite. Carbohydrate Polymers 87 1302-1310. 

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