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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 #171778
Title: DIRECT CURRENT ELECTROACTIVITY VIA ION-CONDUCTION IN THERMOPLASTIC STARCH AND OTHER BIOPOLYMERS

Author
item FINKENSTADT, VICTORIA
item WILLETT, JULIOUS

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/2004
Publication Date: 12/5/2004
Citation: Finkenstadt, V.L., Willett, J.L. 2004. Direct current electroactivity via ion-conduction in thermoplastic starch and other biopolymers [abstract]. United States Japan Natural Resources. p.59-63.

Interpretive Summary: Thermoplastic starch based electroactive biomaterials have been developed that utilize ion-conduction as the primary means of electrical conduction. The biomaterials exhibit good mechanical properties and moderately high conductivity. The materials, composed of renewable resources, will be used for biosensors and environmentally sensitive membranes.

Technical Abstract: Starch-based electroactive biomaterials are solid polymer electrolytes utilizing ion mobility as the primary mode of conduction within the polymer matrix. Metal halides (MX) were incorporated into thermoplastic starch (TPS) and other biopolymers via reactive extrusion into thin films and were evaluated for electrial and mechanical properties.