Desiccant effect of starch in polylactic acid composites

eXPRESS Polymer Letters

J. Moczo¹ 

关键词: biopolimers;    biocomposites;    thermoplastic starch;    desiccant;    polylactic acid;   

DOI  :  10.3144/expresspolymlett.2018.88

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: eXPRESS Polymer Letters

【 摘 要 】

Polylactic acid (PLA)/starch and PLA/starch-glycerol composites with different glycerol contents were preparedin a wide composition range, in order to study their applicability as packaging materials for dry products. Water uptake wasdetermined at a temperature of 23 °C and different relative humidities. Structure and mechanical properties were also investigated.PLA/ unplasticized starch composites could absorb a considerable amount of water. As a result, they may be adequateas a biodegradable inner container in dry packaging. The absorption capacity of the composites increased significantly withincreasing starch content and relative humidity, respectively. Unplasticized starch exhibited not only a desiccant but also areinforcing effect in PLA, thus both stiffness and strength increased with increasing starch loading. The influence of glycerolcontent on the water uptake was difficult to reveal due to the migration of glycerol from the bulk to the surface. Furthermore,glycerol weakened the PLA/starch adhesion and softened starch particles.

【 授权许可】

CC BY