Microcrystalline Cellulose as Reinforcement in Thermoplastic Starch/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Films

Abstract

Lignocellulosic fibers or their derivatives may be used to reinforce packaging materials. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of adding microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) on the microstructure and properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) films. MCC concentrations of 0, 1, 3 and 5 g 100 g⁻¹ TPS/PBAT were added to mixtures containing 56 g 100 g⁻¹ of TPS and 44 g 100 g⁻¹ of PBAT. The morphology of the film changed slightly and the storage modulus increased when MCC was added at the concentration of 3 g 100 g⁻¹ TPS/PBAT. No differences were observed in the Fourier transform infrared spectra and in the crystallinity of the films without and with 3 g MCC 100 g⁻¹ TPS/PBAT. The tensile strength (medium value 6.52 MPa), elongation at break (medium value 723.83 %) and water vapor permeability (WVP; medium value 5.68 × 10⁻¹¹ g m⁻¹ s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹) of the films with and without MCC showed no significant differences. The films with 3 and 5 g MCC 100 g⁻¹ TPS/PBAT were stiffer than control film. The low interaction of MCC with the polymer matrix (mainly with PBAT), the processing technique, and the low concentration of MCC may have contributed to these results.