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Biodegradation of Thermoplastic Starch and its Blends with Poly(lactic acid) and Polyethylene: Influence of Morphology
Author(s) -
Li Gang,
Sarazin Pierre,
Orts William J.,
Imam Syed H.,
Favis Basil D.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
macromolecular chemistry and physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.57
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1521-3935
pISSN - 1022-1352
DOI - 10.1002/macp.201100090
Subject(s) - biodegradation , low density polyethylene , thermoplastic , starch , polylactic acid , materials science , morphology (biology) , polyethylene , lactic acid , glycerol , polymer blend , composite material , chemical engineering , mineralization (soil science) , polymer chemistry , copolymer , chemistry , polymer , organic chemistry , bacteria , biology , engineering , genetics , nitrogen
The room temperature mineralization of thermoplastic starch (TPS) with a high glycerol content and its blends with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA) are examined under controlled degradation conditions. These results are correlated with the morphologies and continuity behavior of the various blend systems. It is found that thermoplastic starch degrades more rapidly than native starch. Lowering the glycerol content in the TPS has virtually no effect on its biodegradation behavior. The only contribution to biodegradation of the TPS blend is from the TPS component. Blending TPS with LDPE and PLA in a co‐continuous morphology at a 50/50 composition provides a significant increase in TPS surface area, which increases the biodegradation rate for the blends as compared to pure TPS. The results indicate a close relationship between morphology, phase continuity, and biodegradation behavior.