Starch-Based Biodegradable Materials Suitable for Thermoforming Packaging
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English Slovak |
| ISSN: | ISSN 0038-9056 |
| Online Access: | http://www.viks.sk/chk/star_8_01_367_371.doc |
| Abstract: | Summaries. In previous works, we had shown that blending plasticised wheat starch (PWS) with biodegradable polyesters improves properties such as the water resistance. The present study was more specifically based on PWS/cellulose fibres composites. In addition, these multiphase systems (blends and composites) have been tested with respect to thermoforming applications. The composites shown an increase in modulus and strength, improved temperature stability and glass transition shifts. After sheet extrusion, each type of materials (blends and composites) was thermoformed. The ageing of the resulting thermoformed trays was tested in storage conditions from 4°C to ambient temperature, composites based-materials show reduced ageing compared to PWS. Conclusions. Different strategies have been tested in this study to design a starch-based material suitable for thermoforming application. In previous work we have shown that association between PWS and biodegradable polyesters allowed to manufacture materials with improved water resistance In this study, we have shown that the combination of PWS with cellulose fibres allowed to tune properties of some highly plasticised materials. High stiffness, improved impact resistance and better ageing behaviour was obtained. Both materials (blends and composites) can be processed on industrial-scale thermoforming equipment to obtain thermoformed trays. We have tested these trays in storage conditions from 4°C to ambient temperature to simulate a common utilisation of this kind of packaging. In these conditions, the composite materials present a better ageing. To fulfil all the requirements of the packaging industry, a combination of both materials (blend and composite) is being studied in our laboratory that should provide interesting materials presenting improved properties. |
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| ISSN: | ISSN 0038-9056 |
