Development of technology for producing biodegradable hybrid composites based on polyethylene, starch, and monoglycerides

Abstract

Objectives. This work aimed to develop technology to produce biodegradable hybrid composite (BHC) films based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) 115030-070 and thermoplastic starches (TPS) of various origins (corn, pea, and rice), with distilled monoglycerides as the plasticizer. The properties of the produced BHC films were studied and the optimal native starch : glycerol : monoglycerides ratio is proposed.Methods. TPS and BHC films based on this material were produced from different types of native starches in laboratory extruders (Brabender and MashPlast, Russia), and the extruded melts were subjected to ultrasonic vibrations. The structure and appearance of the BHC films were studied using scanning electron microscopy and rheology. Their biodegradability was assessed by immersing them in biocompost for three months. To evaluate the mechanical performance of the BHC films produced with and without ultrasound, the changes in tensile stress and elongation at break were determined during the biodegradation process.Results. The BHC films had a homogeneous structure, except small agglomerates (non-melted starch grains), which did not reduce their quality. The films with monoglycerides had high tensile strength, which was comparable with low-density polyethylene. After removing samples of the BHC films from the biocompost, their tensile strength decreased by 20%, which shows their biodegradability.Conclusions. The produced biodegradable composite films and the technology used to produce them will be applicable for the packaging industry to reduce environmental impact.

Investigation of surface properties of biocomposite materials modified by corona plasma treatment

“…Биологически разрушаемые гибридные композиции на основе ПЭНП и термопластичного крахмала различного происхождения (кукурузный, гороховый и рисовый), получали на двухшнековом и одношнековом экструдере при температурах 100 °С (в зоне загрузки) до 140 °С (в зоне головки) [24,25], где долю ТПК в БГК варьировали при соотношении от 40:60 мас. % [26].…”

Biodegradable packaging materials based on low density polyethylene, starch and monoglycerides

“…На первом этапе работы изготовили БГК на основе ПЭНП и ТПК различного происхождения: кукурузного, горохового и рисового, подобрав необходимый интервал концентрационных соотношений компонентов, в которых доля ТПК составляет от 40 до 60 мас. % соответственно [22].…”

“…Авторы статьи [22] Определение водопоглощения исследуемых БГК проводили в соответствии с ГОСТ 4650-80 7 .…”

Structure and properties of compositions of linear low‐density polyethylene with starch

“…Glycerol and water have been used as plasticizers to break the hydrogen bonds between the starch macromolecules and transfer them to the thermoplastic state 5 . The effect of using distilled monoglycerides as plasticizers has also been demonstrated previously 6,7 . Starch can be mixed with polyethylene using deep eutectic solvents as modifiers.…”

“…5 The effect of using distilled monoglycerides as plasticizers has also been demonstrated previously. 6,7 Starch can be mixed with polyethylene using deep eutectic solvents as modifiers. Using these solvents increases the amount of starch in the composition and improves mechanical degradation after immersion in water.…”