Thermal Decomposition of Bio-Based Plastic Materials

This research delves into a detailed exploration of the thermal decomposition behavior of bio-based polymers, specifically thermoplastic starch (TPS) and polylactic acid (PLA), under varying heating rates in a nitrogen atmosphere. This study employs thermogravimetry (TG) to investigate, providing comprehensive insights into the thermal stability of these eco-friendly polymers. In particular, the TPS kinetic model is examined, encompassing the decomposition of three distinct fractions. In contrast, PLA exhibits a simplified kinetic behavior requiring only a fraction described by a zero-order model. The kinetic study involves a systematic investigation into the individual contributions of key components within TPS, including starch, glycerin, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). This detailed analysis contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the thermal degradation process of TPS and PLA, enabling the optimization of processing conditions and the prediction of material behavior across varying thermal environments. Furthermore, the incorporation of different starch sources and calcium carbonate additives in TPS enhances our understanding of the polymer's thermal stability, offering insights into potential applications in diverse industries.