Improving mechanical and water sorption properties of thermoplastic starch by incorporating chitosan filler

Bence Balla; András Bartos; Dávid Kun; Emília Csiszár; János Móczó; Erika Fekete

Polymer Testing (Sep 2021)

Improving mechanical and water sorption properties of thermoplastic starch by incorporating chitosan filler

Bence Balla,
András Bartos,
Dávid Kun,
Emília Csiszár,
János Móczó,
Erika Fekete

Affiliations

Bence Balla: Laboratory of Plastics and Rubber Technology, Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, H-1111, Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Hungary
András Bartos: Laboratory of Plastics and Rubber Technology, Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, H-1111, Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Hungary
Dávid Kun: Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-1117, Budapest, Magyar tudósok körútja 2., Hungary; Laboratory of Plastics and Rubber Technology, Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, H-1111, Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Hungary
Emília Csiszár: Laboratory of Plastics and Rubber Technology, Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, H-1111, Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Hungary
János Móczó: Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-1117, Budapest, Magyar tudósok körútja 2., Hungary; Laboratory of Plastics and Rubber Technology, Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, H-1111, Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Hungary
Erika Fekete: Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-1117, Budapest, Magyar tudósok körútja 2., Hungary; Laboratory of Plastics and Rubber Technology, Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, H-1111, Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Hungary; Corresponding author. Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, P.O. Box 286, H-1519, Budapest, Hungary.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 101
p. 107278

Abstract

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To develop an adequate matrix polymer for agricultural or packaging applications, thermoplastic starch (TPS)/chitosan composites were prepared in a wide composition range either by injection moulding or in an internal mixer followed by compression moulding. Chitosan behaves as filler forming dispersed structure in TPS samples prepared by thermomechanical methods without any additional acid. In the TPS composites chitosan has a considerable reinforcing effect. Regardless of the production methods, the Young's modulus and tensile strength increase significantly. Furthermore, addition of chitosan has a considerable effect on the water sorption of TPS-based composites. Chitosan slightly decreases the maximum water uptake of composites and reduces significantly the water sorption rate especially in the samples prepared by injection moulding. Besides, chitosan can greatly reduce the shrinkage of injection moulded TPS composites and delay the appearance of mould on the surface even at high humidity.

Published in Polymer Testing

ISSN: 0142-9418 (Print); 1873-2348 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Chemical technology: Polymers and polymer manufacture
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/polymer-testing

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