Properties of biodegradable thermoplastic cassava starch/sodium alginate composites prepared from injection molding

Abstract

Due to poor mechanical properties and high water uptake of biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS), in this study, the influence of sodium alginate on properties of biopolymer based on thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) was investigated. The TPCS polymer was compounded and shaped using an internal mixer and injection molding machine, respectively. In addition, the TPCS polymer was, then, modified by different contents of sodium alginate, i.e., 0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%. It was found that the TPCS composites showed good phase compatibility between the starch and sodium alginate. In addition, maximum stress, Young's modulus, and hardness of the TPCS composites significantly increased by the addition of sodium alginate. Furthermore, the TPCS composites modified by sodium alginate degraded faster than the neat polymer. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the TPCS composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3365–3372, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Degradation and bioavailability of dried alginate hydrocolloid capsules in simulated soil system

“…Calculating from the linear model, most of the alginate beads (>98%) will be degraded within half a year, which is a relatively rapid rate for soil biodegradation in general and a moderate rate for alginate degradation, which can be an advantage for slow‐release agricultural practices. Previous studies on soil degradation of alginate films or beads by weighing showed faster degradation, but the weighing technique disregarded that part of the weight lost due to breaking of the polymer as opposed to mineralization by microorganisms. Methane and hydrogen were also measured continuously as these gases represent additional microbial‐degradation pathways, and methane, being a potent greenhouse gas, is of particular environmental importance.…”

“…As seen from the results in this study, by measuring the respiration rate, more knowledge can be gained regarding the way in which, and the rate at which the alginate beads are degrading. Recent studies on alginate soil degradation have not looked at the kinetics or the rates at which alginate polymers (either beads or films) are degraded . Using either visualization of volume reduction or the VS technique, it is difficult to identify patterns and rates of degradation.…”

“…Another advantage of the in vitro respiration measurement is its ability to measure degradation without disturbing the system; nevertheless, a more complex system is needed, if respiration techniques are to be used in the field (such as micro/mesocosms). As already noted, recent studies on alginate degradation in soil have used the weighing technique, mainly because it is much easier and does not require any specific equipment. However, a study by Montagna et al .…”

Characterization and Properties of Biodegradable Thermoplastic Arrowroot Starch Crosslinked by Glutaraldehyde Processed by Compression Molding Technique

“…TPS polymers from several types of starch have been studied, i.e. corn [4], cassava [5], wheat [6], rice [7] and maize starch [8]. However, all TPS prepared from various sources of starch still show low mechanical properties and high hydrophilicity.…”

High‐performance starch/clay bionanocomposite for textile warp sizing

“…Meanwhile, most of these textile sizing agents are derived from nonbiodegradable PVA. Thus, based on the need of environmental protection and sustainable development strategies, green biodegradable polymers have become increasingly popular as biodegradable polymers have great prospects and they can meet the requirements of environmental protection . Starch is a kind of biodegradable polymers that can be obtained from many renewable resources.…”