Revolutionizing green growth: unleashing the power of PVA and CaHPO₄ in crafting a sustainable future through innovative PBS/PVA biodegradable composites for seedling cultivation

ABSTRACT

This study introduces an innovative utilizing polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for seedling bags, enriched with glycerol (G) and calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO₄) fertilizer. The investigation examined the impact of PVA (10–50 wt.%) with fixed glycerol ratio of 20 phr, and CaHPO₄ content (0–7 phr) on the composite. Notably, higher PVA content led to better dispersion of PVA particles within the PBS/G blend, reducing phase separation compared to lower PVA content. However, increased PVA content resulted in decreased mechanical properties due to incompatibility and phase separation, as well as interference with PBS crystallization. Regarding CaHPO₄, the addition of a low fertilizer amount (3 phr) slightly reduced crystallinity (from 40% to 19%) but increased elongation at break (from 2.7% to 3.8%). Conversely, higher CaHPO₄ content (5–7 phr) significantly enhanced tensile strength and elongation at break to 5.6 MPa and 6.3%, respectively, without affecting crystallinity. Importantly, CaHPO₄ incorporation improved the dispersion of PVA within the PBS matrix. In practical application, PBS/PVA/G/CaHPO₄ composites proved suitable for planting seedlings, which thrived in the bags over 42 days. This study underscores the potential of these composite materials for seedling cultivation, while future research may delve into optimizing fertilizer effectiveness in this context.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO₄)
• polybutylene succinate (PBS)
• polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
• seedling bag

Acknowledgments

The authors express their gratitude to the Department of Materials Science and Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology at Silpakorn University for funding support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. This work was presented at The 6th International Conference on Applied Physics and Materials Applications (ICAPMA2023).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Supanut Phattarateera

Dr. Supanut Phattarateera is a member of the plastic technology laboratory in the Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group, National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) of the National Science and Technology Department Agency (NSTDA), Thailand. He obtained his PhD degree in Chemical Engineering from Thammasat University. He obtained Master degree in Polymer Science and Engineering and Bachelor degree in Petrochemical and Polymeric Materials from Silpakorn University. His research areas of interest are in the fields of: 1) mainly focusing on biobased and biodegradable plastics, materials for agricultural and food packaging, (2) composites and elastomers, including polymer composites, natural fiber composites, rubbers blends, and nanocomposite materials, and thermoplastic starch and (3) focused on antimicrobial agents for food, agricultural and biomedical application. (4) foused the research utilization such as active packaging, ldding film, bixal film and film application both petrochemical-based and bio-based. He is a young searcher, and the author of over 20 published papers, with currently over 126 citations.

Nitchakan Waiyamuk

Nitchkan Waiyamuk is a senior student at Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University.

Sarannut Saloet

Sarannut Saloet is a senior student at Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University.

Poonsub Threepopnatkul

Dr. Poonsub Threepopnatkul is an Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering department at Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. She graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, and Master of Engineering degree in Chemical Enginerring from Chulalongkorn University. She obtained her Doctor of Engineering degree in Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA. Her research areas of interest are in the fields of 1) green polymers, mainly focusing on biobased and biodegradable plastics, materials for agricultural and food packaging, (2) composites and nanomaterials, including polymer composites, natural fiber composites, surface modification, nanocomposite materials, starch, and cellulose and (3) Antimicrobial properties for food, agricultural and biomedical applications. She is the author of over 52 published papers, with currently over 720 citations.