Abstract
In this study, thermoplastic starch (TPS) was mixed with low density polyethylene with different melt flow indexes in a one-step extrusion process to produce LDPE/TPS blends varied from 32% to 62% by weight of TPS. The influence of starch content and LDPE viscosity on morphology, biodegradation and tensile properties of LDPE/TPS blends were evaluated. Starch continuity and biodegradability were studied by hydrolytic, enzymatic and bacterial degradation. The LDPE viscosity had a considerable effect on the morphology and the connectivity of the starch particles. Evaluation of hydrolytic extraction showed that blends having TPS content above 50 wt% possessed a full connectivity. Studies of biodegradation indicated that the bacterial attack on starch resulted in weight loss of TPS of 92%, 39% and 22%, for PE1/TPS having 62% and 32% TPS, and PE2/TPS (31% TPS), respectively. Comparatively, the weight loss was more significant at 100%, 66% and 31% by hydrolytic extraction. Differences between these two techniques were discussed in terms of the accessibility of starch domains to microorganisms. Tensile properties (εb and E) decreased with increasing exposure time to activated sludge. Changes in tensile properties were highly dependent on the biodegradation rate. PE1/TPS blends having 32% starch remained ductile after 45 days of exposure to bacterial attack.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Zobel H (1988) Starch/Stärke, 40(2):44–50
Doane WM, Swanson CL, Fanta GF (1992) Emerging polymeric materials based on starch. In: Emerging technologies for materials and chemicals from biomass, American Chemical Society, pp 197–230
Gomez MH, Aguilera JM (1984) J Food Sci 49:40
Favis BD, Rodriguez-Gonzalez FJ, Ramsay BA (2005) US Patent 6,844,380 B2
Ishiaku US, Pang KW, Lee WS, Mohd ZA (2002) Eur Polym J 38:393
Otey FH, Westhoff RP, Doane WM (1980) Ind Eng Chem Prod Res Dev 19:592
Yu J, Gao J, Lin T (1996) J Appl Polym Sci 62:1491
Prinos J, Bikiaris D, Theologidis S, Panayiotou C (1998) Polym Engng Sci 38:954
Tena-Salcido CS, Rodriguez-Gonzalez FJ (2006) The influence of relative humidity on mechanical properties of LDPE/TPS blends In: XV International Materials Research Congress, AMC, Cancún, Quintana Roo, México CD
Favis BD, Rodriguez-Gonzalez FJ, Ramsay BA (2003) US Patent 6,605,657
Rodriguez-Gonzalez FJ, Ramsay BA, Favis BD (2003) Polymer 44:1517
Favis, Chalifoux (1987) Polym Engng Sci 27:1591
Leach HW (1984) Starch chemistry and technology. Academic Science, New York
Danjaji ID, Nawang US, Ishiaku H, Mohd ZA (2002) Polymer Testing 21:75
Simons S, Thoms EL (1995) J Appl Polym Sci 58:2259
Araujo MA, Cunha AM, Mota M (2004) Biomaterials 25:2687
Seretoudi G, Bikiaris D, Panayiotou C (2002) Polymer 43:5405
Chaplin MF, Kennedy JF (1986) Carbohydrate analysis a practical approach. IRL Press
Peanasky JS, Long JM, Wool RP (1991) J Polym Sci, Part Polym Phys 29:565
Li J, Ma PL, Favis BD (2002) Macromolecules 35:2005
Azevedo HS, Gamma FM, Reis RL (2003) Biomacromolecules 4:1703
Swanson CL, Shogren RL, Fanta GF, Imam SH (1993) J Environ Polym Degrad 1:155
Bikiaris D, Prinos J, Panayiotou C (1997) Polym Degrad Stab 58:215
Gattin R, Copinet A, Bertrand C, Couturier Y (2003) J App Polym Sci 88:825
Goheen SM, Wool RP (1991) J App Polym Sci 42:2691
Bikiaris D, Prinos J, Koutsopoulos K, Vouroutzis N, Pavlidou E, Frangis N, Panayiotou C (1998) Polym Degrad Stab 59:287
Gibbon D (1997) Aeration of activated sludge in sewage treatment. Pergamon Press NY
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tena-Salcido, C.S., Rodríguez-González, F.J., Méndez-Hernández, M.L. et al. Effect of Morphology on the Biodegradation of Thermoplastic Starch in LDPE/TPS Blends . Polym. Bull. 60, 677–688 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-008-0903-0
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-008-0903-0