Polymers and Polymer Composites

THE CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYBUTYLENE SUCCINATE/STARCH BLENDS USING HDPE-G-ACRYLIC ACID AS A COMPATIBILIZER

April 1, 2006 By: Lai S M; Wu C S; Liao H T Research article

Title: THE CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYBUTYLENE SUCCINATE/STARCH BLENDS USING HDPE-G-ACRYLIC ACID AS A COMPATIBILIZER
Page Range: p.365-376
Author(s): Lai S M; Wu C S; Liao H T
File size: 261K
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Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 14
Issue No: No. 4

Abstract
Blends of polybutylene succinate, (PBSU) and starch were examined to ascertain the influence of the compatibiliser HDPE-g-acrylic acid on properties. The blends contained 5 phr of compatibiliser. X-ray diffraction studies indicated some disruption of the crystal structure of PBSU with the introduction of starch, and a decrease in the melting temperature was also noted with increasing amounts of starch. The added starch is reported to have disrupted the intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between the PBSU chains in the matrix. The relatively low heat stability of starch influenced the thermal stability of the blends. A slight increase in tensile strength was observed when the compatibiliser was incorporated in the blends, and enhanced interaction was deduced from SEM observation. The surface erosion shown in the optical micrographs was accompanied by a visible growth of microorganisms, particularly at high concentrations of starch. The rate of biodegradation was assessed based on the decrease in tensile strength during 4 weeks of soil burial. The weight loss increased with increasing treatment times and with starch content during extended soil burial. 26 refs.


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