Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #65801
Title: AMINO ACIDS AS PLASTICIZERS OF STARCH-BASED PLASTIC

Author
item Stein, Thomas
item Imam, Syed
item Shogren, Randal
item Gordon, Sherald
item Greene, Richard

Submitted to: Materials Research Society Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/8/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Lysine was found to act as a plasticizer in starch-based plastic. Blends of corn starch with glycerol and various amino acids were prepared and extruded as thin ribbons. Mechanical properties (tensile strength and percent elongation) of the ribbons were tested for each blend at different humidities. Trends observed in the mechanical properties were explained on the basis of differential scanning calorimetry thermograms. The impact of amino acid additives on biodegradation will be discussed.