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Processing and properties of biodegradable compounds based on aliphatic polyesters
Author(s) -
Nobile Maria Rossella,
Cerruti Pierfrancesco,
Malinconico Mario,
Pantani Roberto
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.42481
Subject(s) - biodegradation , polyester , materials science , heat deflection temperature , elongation , rheology , polymer , biodegradable polymer , composite material , modulus , talc , polystyrene , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , chemistry , izod impact strength test , ultimate tensile strength , engineering
Two aliphatic biodegradable polyesters, Poly(butylene succinate) and Poly(lactic acid), are selected together with two inorganic fillers, talc and TiO 2 , to obtain biodegradable compounds for replacing polystyrene in the production of disposable plastic cups and plates. The rheological behavior of the pure polymers and the compounds is investigated, the mechanical properties of the compounds are determined in terms of modulus and elongation at break, the heat distortion temperature of the compounds is measured and compared to those of pure PBS and PS. Finally, the biodegradation of the compounds is also investigated. The processability and the final properties, in terms of elastic modulus and heat distortion temperature, make these compounds interesting for the production of disposable plates and cups for hot food and beverages, also considering that the elongation at break is significant. Furthermore, the results of biodegradation tests in composting conditions show that the presence of TiO 2 induces a lag time and lower values of biodegradation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132 , 42481.