Biodegradability and nutrients release of thermoplastic starch and poly (ε-caprolactone) blends for agricultural uses

Driven by the environmental stress caused by plastics, the interest on eco-friendly polymers has attracted the attention of researchers and industry. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blends are good examples of sustainable material, exhibiting synergism between economic viability and properties. However, its biodegradability aligned to nutrients release has been less explored in agricultural applications. Herein, it is proposed the investigation of biodegradability of urea plasticized TPS and PCL blends, compatibilized with PCL grafted with maleic anhydride (PCL-g-MA), aiming fertilizers and sustainable agricultural products. The blends were prepared in a twin-screw extruder using a flat film die. The mechanical, thermal, morphological, and physical properties of TPS-PCL films were characterized, including biodegradation analysis via Bartha respirometer and nitrogen release in the soil. The films presented biodegradability and nitrogen release as a function of TPS content on blends formulation, presenting flexibility and robust mechanical properties. These findings may open a way of multifunctional agricultural products applied as fertilizer materials through economical and sustainable mulching films.