Silane treated starch dispersed PBAT/PHBV-based composites: Improved barrier performance for single-use plastic...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers like PBAT and PHBV are crucial for sustainable packaging.
• Improving barrier properties of these polymers remains a challenge for wider applications.
• Starch, a renewable resource, can be utilized as a filler but requires surface modification for compatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To incorporate silane-treated starch (S-t-Starch) into a PBAT/PHBV blend to enhance barrier and mechanical properties.
• To improve the compatibility between starch filler and the PBAT/PHBV matrix using a silane coupling agent.
• To evaluate the performance of the developed composite films for flexible packaging applications.

Main Methods:

• Starch was treated with 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxy silane (GPTMS).
• Silane-treated starch (5 wt%) was compounded into a PBAT/PHBV blend via extrusion.
• Composite films were characterized for barrier (oxygen, water vapor), mechanical, thermal, surface morphology, and rheological properties.

Main Results:

• PBAT/PHBV/5%S-t-Starch composites showed a 91% increase in oxygen barrier and an 82% increase in water vapor barrier compared to PBAT.
• Silane treatment improved interfacial adhesion and increased composite crystallinity, contributing to barrier enhancement.
• Elongation at break slightly increased from 536% to 542%, indicating maintained flexibility.

Conclusions:

• Silane-treated starch effectively enhances the barrier properties of PBAT/PHBV blends.
• The developed composite material is suitable for flexible packaging requiring improved barrier performance.
• This research offers a sustainable approach to creating high-performance biodegradable packaging materials.