Effect of two types of plasticizers on the properties of biodegradable polyester blends

D. A. DAMICO; M. HANKOVITS; CYRAS, VIVIANA P.; A. GIACOMINI; L. B. MANFREDI

Mar del Plata

Simposio; XVI Simposio Latinoamericano de Polímeros; 2018

INTEMA

In recent years, the interest on the use of biodegradable polymers has increased because of their lower environmental impact compared to the commodity plastics. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a thermoplastic biodegradable polymer produce by microorganisms. It presents good barrier properties to water vapor, oxygen and UV light; however, it is highly crystalline and brittle1. In order to improve their processing and mechanical properties, plasticizers and/or another polymer could be added2,3.Polylactic acid (PLA) is other biodegradable polyester which has mechanical properties comparable to commodities polymers. It has better mechanical resistance and is cheaper than PHB. Nevertheless, PLA has poor barrier properties4,5. In this work, the development of biodegradable blends based on PHB and PLA with improved properties compared to the pure polymers was proposed. Two types of plasticizers, one of low molecular weight (glyceryl tributyrate, TB) and other polymeric (polydiethyleneglycol adipate, A) were added to the blends in order to study their influence on the structure and the mechanical properties of the final materials.