Starch, cellulose acetate and polyester biodegradable sheets: Effect of composition and processing conditions

Abstract

The production of biodegradable plastic materials using natural resources has aroused increased attention due to environmental concerns. This study aimed to manufacture novel, commercially feasible, biodegradable sheets by flat die extrusion-calendering process produced with thermoplastic starch/plasticized cellulose acetate (TPS/PCA) and thermoplastic starch/plasticized cellulose acetate/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (TPS/PCA/PBAT) blends, and to investigate the effects of composition and processing conditions, morphological characteristics, and thermal properties. The results showed that TPS/PCA and TPS/PCA/PBAT biodegradable sheets properties were highly dependent upon both composition and processing temperature. The morphological characteristics and thermal properties of the sheets demonstrated the good compatibility between TPS and PCA in TPS/PCA blends, mainly at higher processing temperatures, whereas TPS/PCA/PBAT sheets present a heterogeneous structure due to the poor compatibility between the components. TPS/PCA biodegradable sheets presented suitable processability and handleability characteristics that allow them to be considered as a novel eco-friendly, economically feasible alternative to conventional plastic materials.

Keywords: Biodegradable sheet; Extrusion; Mixture design; Morphology; Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate); Thermal properties.