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Processing and characterization of thermoplastic starch/polycaprolactone/compatibilizer ternary blends for packaging applications

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Abstract

Thermoplastic starch (TPS)/polycaprolactone (PCL) blends were obtained by melt mixing. First, the best formulation of thermoplastic starch (starch, plasticizer and additives) was studied. The obtained films were characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry, DSC (melting temperature and crystallinity degree); thermogravimetric analysis, TGA (real composition of the blend and thermal stability); tensile tests (mechanical properties); infrared spectroscopy, FTIR (interactions between components); scanning electron microscopy, SEM (morphology); and water absorption tests. The effect of PCL/TPS ratio on the previously mentioned characteristics and properties were studied. In addition, the effect of using PCL modified with maleic anhydride as compatibilizer was also analyzed. An optimal compatibilizer content was found improving the mechanical properties and slowing down the degradation rate in soil of the blends. On the other hand, a slight increase in the water absorption of the blends was found in comparison with the non-compatibilized ones.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), the National Agency of Science and Technology (ANPCyT) [Fonarsec FSNano004], and the National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP) [15G327].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Research Institute of Materials Science and Technology (INTEMA), Composite Materials Group (CoMP), Solis 7575, B7608FDQ, Mar del Plata, Argentina

    M. P. Guarás, V. A. Alvarez & L. N. Ludueña

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  1. M. P. Guarás
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  2. V. A. Alvarez
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  3. L. N. Ludueña
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Correspondence to L. N. Ludueña.

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Guarás, M.P., Alvarez, V.A. & Ludueña, L.N. Processing and characterization of thermoplastic starch/polycaprolactone/compatibilizer ternary blends for packaging applications. J Polym Res 22, 165 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-015-0817-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-015-0817-0

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