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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 #110812
Title: MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF STARCH-FILLED POLY(D,L-LACTIC ACID)/ POLY(HYDROXY ESTER ETHER) BIODEGRADABLE BLENDS

Author
item Garlotta, Donald
item DOANE, WILLIAM - 3620-45-00(RETIRED)
item Shogren, Randal
item Lawton Jr, John
item Willett, Julious

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/7/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This research focused on the mechanical, structural and thermal properties of injection molded composites of granular cornstarch, poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) and poly(hydroxyester-ethers) (PHEE). These composites were compounded on a twin screw extruder prior to injection molding. They had high tensile strengths (40-50 MPa) at starch loadings up to 70% by weight. SEM micrographs of fractured specimens revealed good adhesion of starch to the polymer matrix, as evidenced by broken starch granules. The crystallinity of the poly(D,L-lactic acid) in the blends was studied using differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. Data on the effects of starch and PHEE on PDLLA crystallization will also be presented.