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BioTerc PAA is highly biodegradability (less than 2 months), has strong mechanical properties (up to 2.7 GPa modulus elasticity) and has a high optical transparency (up to 90%).
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BioTerc PAA: Biodegradable Ternary Co-polymers of Poly(amic) Acid as Packaging Materials The problems of plastics in the environment have been known for a long time. Apart from the fact that so much of them persist everywhere, the main problem is that they are not biodegradable. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in biodegradable polymers for medical, environmental and industrial applications. A new formulation has been discovered for the preparation of biodegradable plastics based on poly(amic) acid. We hereby report the design, preparation, and food packaging application of a new class of biodegradable, ternary PAA copolymers; herein referred to as BioTerc PAA. The polymers were designed using a combination of PAA, homolytic linkers, and small molecular weight biomolecules that are derived from nature. BioTerc PAA exhibits the following properties: 1) advanced mechanical properties in the range 2.2 - 2.7 GPa modulus elasticity that are comparable to strong plastics (2.4 to 3.2 GPa), stability in common solvents, high optical transparency, impermeability to gas exchange, oil and water vapor transfer, 2) predictable life-time in nature, nontoxicity and advanced antimicrobial properties, and 3) applicability to smart food packaging demonstrated for cheese, pepperoni, apple and walnut for 4 weeks to 6 months. The synthesized PAA co-polymers pro-vide superior properties which can meet the requirements of society’s expectations for a safer environment and sustainable future. KEY ELEMENTS Simultaneously acts as active & intelligent packaging High biodegradability & strong mechanical properties Shows changes in color upon exposure to vapors released by degrading food samples and are non-toxic. APPLICATIONS The BioTerc PAA is applicable to smart food packaging and to other medical, environ-mental, and industrial applications. ADVANTAGES BioTerc PAA as packaging materials simultaneously possess anti-microbial activity (active packaging), conductivity and color changes in response to changes of contained food material (intelligent packing). High biodegradability (less than 2 months). Strong mechanical properties (up to 2.7 GPa modulus elasticity). High optical transparency (up to 90%). Shows changes in color upon exposure to vapors released by degrading food samples and are non-toxic. PATENTING Patent strategy is under evaluation. *Samples are available*