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Developing Biodegradable Mulch Films from Starch‐Based Polymers
Author(s) -
Halley Pete,
Rutgers Rulande,
Coombs Steve,
Kettels Janine,
Gralton John,
Christie Gregor,
Jenkins Malcolm,
Beh Henry,
Griffin Kim,
Jayasekara Ranjith,
Lonergan Greg
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
starch ‐ stärke
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1521-379X
pISSN - 0038-9056
DOI - 10.1002/1521-379x(200108)53:8<362::aid-star362>3.0.co;2-j
Subject(s) - starch , biodegradable polymer , mulch , materials science , biodegradable plastic , polymer , polyester , polymer science , composite material , chemistry , organic chemistry , agronomy , biology
This paper examines the development of starch‐based plastics for use as biodegradable mulch film. A variety of starch‐based polymers are blended with high performance biodegradable polyester polymers in order to determine the applicability of films to be processed on a film blowing line and to perform well in mulch film field trials. The process of material formulation, film blowing processing and scale‐up and performance properties are highlighted for a successful material. Insights into future developments of starch‐derived biodegradable polymers are given.