Biodegradable polymer film based on pbat and cassava starch: research and preparation

Abstract

Thermoplastic starch compounds were prepared from cassava starch, glycerol, and tartaric acid by the twin-screw extruder. Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis demonstrated the formation of ester bonds during starch modification through absorption peaks at characteristic wavelengths of C=O bonding and C—O bonding. Biodegradable polymer were fabricated from thermoplastic starch (TPS) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) by the twin-screw extruder and then a blown film extrusion process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that when using modified thermoplastic starch (MTPS), the material showed a more homogeneous structure. Besides, this study also selected the optimal content of tartaric acid as a compatibilizer, screw speed, and talc powder content used in the blend when determining the tensile properties and melt flow index (MFI) of the material.