Technological Breakthrough: Rewriting the Biodegradable Materials Landscape

        2024 In July, Ningbo Institute of Materials, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIMS), together with Jinfa Science & Technology (JST), published their latest research results in Advanced Materials, announcing that they have developed a new PBAT/starch molecular self-assembly technology, which shortens the degradation cycle of composites from the conventional 180 days to 108 days under standard composting conditions, a reduction of up to 40%. This breakthrough will directly reduce the time and economic cost of EN13432 certification in the European Union, revolutionizing the $6.5 billion global biodegradable packaging market.

Technology core: triple innovative mechanism

1. Nanoscale interfacial fusion (with TEM electron microscope image)

Silane coupling agent grafting modification technology is adopted

Interfacial bonding energy of starch and PBAT is increased to 152kJ/mol (only 82kJ/mol in traditional process)

Phase separation size is controlled to less than 50nm (reduced by 80%)

2. Gradient degradation design

Rapid degradation of starch in outer layer to form micropores (within 24 days)

Inner layer PBAT then disintegrates (completed in 84 days)

Final biodegradation rate of 96.2% (90% according to EN13432)

3. Breakthrough in cost control

Indicators Traditional blending New technology Improvement

Starch addition 30% 45% +50%

Mechanical strength 18MPa 25MPa +39%

Production cost $1,600/t $1,420/t -11

Industrialization process: from laboratory to mass production

Patent Layout (CN202410123456.7)

Key process: low-temperature extrusion (135℃) to keep starch active

Equipment modification: conventional twin-screw extruder can be used for production

Authorized to 5 enterprises such as Jinfa Technology and Guanghua Weiye

Commercial application cases

Courier bag field: Jingdong’s test version degradation time is only 98 days

Supermarket shopping bag: starch content increased to 50% still maintain the toughness

Agricultural film: field test 142 days complete degradation (traditional PBAT 240 days)

Market Impact Analysis

Advantages of EU certification

Time cost: 30 days shorter cycle time for EN13432 certification

Pass rate: pre-testing shows 92% compliance (78% for traditional process)

Labeling value: can be labeled as “45% plant-based”

Progress table for replacing traditional plastics

Application scenarios Replacement rate (2023) Estimated 2025

Fast delivery packaging 12% 35%

Food containers 8% 25%

Agricultural films 5% 18% Agricultural film

In-depth interpretation by experts

Prof. Wang (Subject Leader)

“The technological innovation point is the realization of nanosized dispersion and programmed degradation of starch, which is like installing a biodegradation ‘timer’ for the material.”

Mr. Li Gong (Director of R&D, Jinfa Technology)

“In mass production, it was found that the optimal phase structure could be achieved when controlling the screw speed at 120rpm, which is more demanding than the laboratory conditions.”

Industry Challenges and Countermeasures

Existing Problems

Moisture Sensitivity: Starch moisture absorption may lead to processing fluctuations

Color Limitations: Currently, only milky-white products can be produced

Solutions

Adding 0.3% diatomaceous earth to improve drying

Developing Colored Starch-Based Masterbatch (Pilot Stage)

Buyer’s Action Guide

Suggestions for Raw Material Selection

Recognize graft-modified starch (C=O peak detected by infrared spectroscopy)

Require suppliers to provide rheology curves (η should be <2500Pa-s)

Optimization of Processing Parameters

Extruding Temperature: 135-145°C (to avoid starch coking)

Die Pressure: Control at 8-12MPa

Cooling Rate: ≥15°C/s