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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #108157
Title: TAILORED BIODEGRADABLE PROPERTIES OF STARCH-BASED MATERIALS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

Author
item Imam, Syed
item MAO, LIJUN - PLANET POLYMER TECHNOL
item Gordon, Sherald

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/15/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Agricultural and environmental application of biopolymers and bioplastic blends is currently an active area of research at USDA. Polymeric materials with predictable properties and controlled performance are being developed by blending starch with other low-cost renewable polymers. Renewable polymers derived from crop residues and industrially processed fruits and vegetable wastes have been utilized to produce wood adhesive, mulch films, packaging materials, biodegradable cast films, and melt-extruded composites. In particular, an overview will be presented to discuss the development of: (1) starch-PVOH melt-extruded films and (2) a starch-PVOH crosslinked wood adhesive for use in interior wood construction. Data will be presented to show the changes assessed in the structure and properties of polymers in a complex matrix and their environmental fate both in their native state and after various chemical, biological, or physical modifications.