Green and Biodegradable Thermosets and Vitrimers: Sustainable and Environmental Friendly Alternatives to Conventional Plastics for Sustainable Packaging

This thesis investigates the potential of sustainable and ecologically conscious materials as substitutes for traditional plastics. The primary emphasis is placed on examining biodegradable thermosets and vitrimers that are derived from renewable resources. The initial study examines the progression of naturally foamed composites derived from soybean oil, which incorporate substantial quantities of agricultural waste, as a sustainable alternative to Styrofoam™. The synthesis of these composites involves the utilization of bio-based thermosets and their curing at a low temperature in the presence of agricultural waste. This approach renders them not only ecologically sustainable but also economically advantageous. Furthermore, the aforementioned composites have been specifically engineered to possess biodegradability properties when exposed to marine settings, hence effectively mitigating the concern of prolonged accumulation of plastic waste. The second study presents a novel vitrimer material that possesses both flexibility and stretchability. This vitrimer is composed of renewable resources, including epoxidized soybean oil, vanillin, biobased diamine Priamine, and oleic acid, which aligns with the principles of green chemistry. Vitrimers present a viable and environmentally conscious substitute for plastics derived from fossil fuels, showcasing remarkable attributes in terms of recycling and reprocessing capabilities. Moreover, these materials demonstrate exceptional barrier characteristics and minimal migration into food simulants, rendering them highly favorable for utilization in flexible food packaging endeavors. Moreover, it should be noted that these vitrimers possess the ability to undergo biodegradation in seawater, hence ensuring a secure and environmentally sound end-of-life scenario in the absence of appropriate management practices. This thesis aims to establish a connection between the fields of material science and environmental sustainability by exploring the potential of biodegradable composites and vitrimers. These materials have the ability to reduce the environmental impact caused by plastic-based products while also providing practical alternatives for a range of applications, such as packaging and marine conservation.