https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2018.010
Published: Kem. Ind. 67 (13) (2018) P21–P31
Paper reference number: KUI-10/2018
Paper type: Original scientific paper
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Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Starch Blends

V. Ocelić Bulatović, I. Borković, D. Kučić Grgić and A. Jozinović

Abstract

Blends of low-density polyethylene (PE-LD) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) were prepared in order to obtain a biodegradable polymeric material as a packaging material. The characterization of thermal and mechanical properties, as well as water vapour permeability was performed due to the highly hydrophilic character of the starch. The addition of TPS to PE-LD/TPS blends influenced the degree of crystalline to 20 wt. % due to nucleation effect of TPS. The tensile strength and elongation at break decreased by increasing the starch level in the PE-LD/TPS blends, but the elastic modulus increased. The initial decomposition temperature shifted to a lower temperature, indicating a reduction in the thermal stability of PE-LD by addition of TPS. Glycerol as a starch plasticizer contributed to increasing the thermal stability of starch, but had a negative effect on water vapour permeability.

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Keywords

biodegradable materials, low-density polyethylene, thermoplastic starch, thermal properties, mechanical properties, water vapour permeability