Polyolefins (PO) are a class of plastics, which are used in a lot of applications ranging from films used in the packaging sector to fabrics used for textiles. Despite its several advantages (inexpensive, chemical resistance, etc…), a problem remains its hydrophobic nature resulting in poor adhesion of waterborne aqueous coatings, such as paints, dyes and inks to hydrophobic POs. To improve the adhesion, adhesion promotors are coated on various substrates. However, such adhesion promotors are produced from petroleum products.

Anchor peptides as adhesion promotors for enhanced adhesion of waterborne coatings to PO

In line with the European strategy for a transition to a circular bioeconomy, the PEBIOTE project aims to develop novel biobased adhesion promotors based on anchor peptides. This part of the project will be tackled by the identification of different anchor peptides presenting high binding strength to various substrates. Depending on the obtained results, the peptides will be engineered in order to enhance the adhesion to the substrates. The bio-based coating formulations (including inks and paints) will be established with the most promising anchor peptides and the applied on plastic films and textile fabrics. Properties (adhesion strength, wicking ability) of the coated substrates will be analyzed combined with skin irritation tests to approve the regulatory requirements.

PO for textile fabrics with novel functionalities
 
Besides the poor adhesion of waterborne coatings on hydrophobic PO, materials (especially textile fabrics) made of POs suffer from several drawbacks, such as poor moisture management and low UV resistance. PEBIOTE will address these problems by the development of functional POs presenting antimicrobial activity, UV protection and moisture management. These aims will be achieved by applying novel biobased coating solutions based on functionalized anchor peptides. Such functional peptides will be engineered by linking the anchor peptides to bio-based additives obtained from lignocellulosic components (cellulose and lignin) and chitin. POs coated with anchor peptides linked to cellulose microfibers will impart hydrophilicity whereas coated peptides linked to chitin microfibers will render the surface antimicrobial and peptides combined with lignin nanoparticles will improve the UV resistance of POs.
 
Transition to carbon neutrality via the use of non-toxic renewable materials
 
Thanks to the envisioned multidisciplinary approach, the PEBIOTE project will contribute to an increased efficiency of bio-based value chains and establish new value chains in the bio-based economy. Moreover, the research activities will lead to new opportunities for companies and help engaged SMEs to boost their transition to a circular bioeconomy.