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Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Film Extrusion of Crambe abyssinica/Wheat Gluten Blends
Published on: January 17, 2017
Biodegradable polymer blends based on corn starch and thermoplastic chitosan processed by extrusion
J F Mendes1, R T Paschoalin2, V B Carmona2
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenheira de Biomateriais, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras 37.200-000, MG, Brazil.
Abstract:
Blends of thermoplastic cornstarch (TPS) and chitosan (TPC) were obtained by melt extrusion. The effect of TPC incorporation in TPS matrix and polymer interaction on morphology and thermal and mechanical properties were investigated. Possible interactions between the starch molecules and thermoplastic chitosan were assessed by XRD and FTIR techniques. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses showed a homogeneous fracture surface without the presence of starch granules or chitosan aggregates. Although the incorporation of thermoplastic chitosan caused a decrease in both tensile strength and stiffness, films with better extensibility and thermal stability were produced.
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