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Physical and structural characterisation of starch/polyester blends with tartaric acid
J B Olivato1, C M O Müller1, G M Carvalho2
1Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 6001, 86051-980 Londrina, PR, Brazil.
Summary
Tartaric acid enhances starch/PBAT films by acting as a compatibilizer and promoting hydrolysis, improving mechanical properties and water resistance for food packaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Food Packaging Technology
Background:
- Starch and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) are biodegradable polymers with potential for food packaging.
- Improving the compatibility and properties of starch/PBAT blends is crucial for practical applications.
- Additives can modify blend properties, but their specific roles require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of tartaric acid (TA) as an additive in starch/PBAT blends.
- To evaluate how TA influences the mechanical, optical, and structural properties of the resulting films.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which TA modifies the blend morphology and performance.
Main Methods:
- Reactive extrusion was employed to produce starch/PBAT blends with varying TA concentrations.
- A constrained mixture design was used to systematically vary component ratios.
- Mechanical testing, optical measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), (13)C CPMAS NMR, and FT-IR spectroscopy were utilized for characterization.
Main Results:
- Tartaric acid acted as a compatibilizer, reducing interfacial tension and leading to more homogeneous films (SEM).
- TA promoted acid hydrolysis of starch, enhancing film resistance and opacity.
- Films with TA exhibited reduced weight loss in water compared to controls.
- Esterification/transesterification reactions between TA and starch hydroxyl groups were confirmed (NMR, FT-IR), validating TA's compatibilizing role.
Conclusions:
- Tartaric acid significantly improves the properties of starch/PBAT blends.
- The dual role of TA as a compatibilizer and hydrolysis promoter enhances film performance.
- These modified blends show promise for sustainable food packaging applications.
