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Effect of Babassu Mesocarp Incorporation on the Biodegradation of a PBAT/TPS Blend
Author(s) -
Nunes Mário A. B. S.,
CastroAguirre Edgar,
Auras Rafael A.,
Bardi Marcelo A. G.,
Carvalho Laura H.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 1022-1360
DOI - 10.1002/masy.201800043
Subject(s) - biocomposite , biodegradation , materials science , starch , thermoplastic , adipate , composite material , compatibilization , plasticizer , composite number , copolyester , copolymer , polymer blend , polyester , food science , polymer , chemistry , organic chemistry
The influence of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and babassu mesocarp incorporation on the biodegradation of poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐terephthalate), PBAT, PBAT/TPS blend, and its biocomposite were investigated. PBAT/TPS blend (70:30) and its biocomposite containing 20% babassu (i.e., 17:58:25% wt/wt babassu mesocarp/PBAT/TPS system) were prepared by melt blending in a torque rheometer at 150 °C. Samples for biodegradation were obtained by hot pressing. Size exclusion chromatography showed that incorporation of TPS and babassu mesocarp to PBAT led to a reduction in PBAT molecular weight on the blends and composite. The reduction was higher on the blends than in the composite. Respirometry data showed that while addition of TPS accelerated biodegradation incorporation of babassu retarded it.