Production of PHBV/thermoplastic starch polymeric blends

Abstract

The development of biodegradable polymeric materials has been stimulated by environmental problems arising from the inadequate disposal of polymeric materials that have a long degradation time. The main obstacle to replacing these polymers with biodegradable polymers is economic factors, as they have higher costs when compared to conventional polymers, but also because of the properties that are not yet suitable for some applications. Among the biodegradable polymers, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), which belongs to the PHA family, stands out. PHBV has great potential for application in the medical field and in various industrial sectors, including the packaging industry. However, PHBV still has some limitations for use, such as low mechanical strength and high cost. Thus, it is interesting to produce polymer blends with other biodegradable polymers, for example, thermoplastic starch (TPS), which has aroused great industrial and academic interest due to its abundance, renewability, biodegradability, low cost, and easy handling. Thus, PHBV/TPS blends are a great alternative, since the introduction of thermoplastic starch can reduce costs and increase the material’s biodegradability potential, driving changes in properties that increase its application potential. The PHBV-g-AM, PHBV, and TPS blends will be produced with TPS concentrations of 20, 40, and 60% (m/m) obtained by extrusion. The specimens will be prepared by compression molding with heating and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical impact test, mechanical tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), water absorption test, and biodegradation test in an aqueous medium.(AU)