Rheological and Mechanical Properties and Spinning Behavior of a Starch-Based Biodegradable Polymer

Over the last few years, the interest in biodegradable polymers has been increasing for several reasons, mainly because of the concerns about environmental protection and the reduction of emissions, especially those related to non-renewable fossil-based resources. Therefore, special attention has increased for the development of environment-friendly polymers such as biodegradable/compostable polymers, especially when they come from renewable resources, since this would help in further reducing energy consumption during their life cycle, as well as the overall environmental impact. Thus, every biopolymer should be accurately investigated in terms of its processability and main technological properties in order to find the most suitable applications. In this work, a starch-derived MaterBi^® sample was characterized from the rheological and mechanical point of view, with particular focus on its ability to be processed under non-isothermal elongational flow. The role of processing parameters, such as the temperature and humidity content, was investigated, and a significant influence was found from the processing temperature. Fiber spinning was also performed, finding a good spinnability of the extrudates; in this context, the influence of the draw ratio was investigated as well, with significant effects on the main mechanical properties of the fibers.