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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Bioproducts Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #186309
Title: IN-SITU LAMINATION OF STARCH-BASED BAKED FOAM ARTICLES WITH DEGRADABLE FILMS

Author
item Glenn, Gregory
item Klamczynski, Artur
item Ludvik, Charles
item Chiou, Bor Sen
item Imam, Syed
item Orts, William
item Wood, Delilah

Submitted to: Packaging Technology and Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2006
Publication Date: 5/12/2006
Citation: Glenn, G.M., Klamczynski, A., Ludvik, C.N., Chiou, B., Imam, S.H., Orts, W.J., Wood, D.F. 2006. In-situ lamination of starch-based baked foam articles with degradable films. Packaging Technology and Science, Http://www3.wileyinterscience.com/search/allsearch?mode=viewselected&product=journal&ID=112649781&view_selected.x=67&view_selected.y=6. .

Interpretive Summary: Food packaging made from starch foam must be laminated with a water resistant film to make it functional. Biodegradable films are preferable but are difficult to use due to their temperature sensitivity. This study reports a unique method of laminating starch foam with biodegradable films. This research could facilitate the development of more functional biodegradable food containers.

Technical Abstract: A technique for making biodegradable food service packaging comprised of a starch/fiber core and a biodegradable film laminate is described. The biodegradable films were made of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylenesuccinate/terephthalate (PBST), rubber latex and polybutyleneadipate / terephthalate (PBAT). The technique involved an in situ process for laminating a baked foam product in a single step. A critical element of the in situ technique involved using a heat insulating fiber sheet to stabilize heat sensitive laminate films during the baking/lamination process. The in situ lamination process improved the adhesion of the starch foam core with the fiber sheet, PLA and latex films compared to a post-lamination process. All laminate materials provided a low water vapor permeance. The films degraded in a compost mixture but at a much slower rate compared to starch.