Study on the Biodegradability of PVA/Starch Blends

• Main Authors: Wei-Chuan Lu, 盧維權
• Other Authors: Jing-Dong Chow
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/34058830569327655264

碩士 === 萬能科技大學 === 工程科技研究所 === 96 === Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Starch are both biodegradable polymers. These two polymers can be prepared as biodegradable plastics that are now emerging as one of the available environmentally friendly materials. In this study, after reacting with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP), modified corn starch was then blended with PVA at different ratio by viscosity meter. Test samples were prepared for mechanical and thermal properties measurements. The properties of PVA and graft starch blends were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-Ray differential (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravity analysis (TGA), weatherability tester, an Instron mechanical tester. The surface roughness and morphology of fractured surface of the samples were observed by atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. Aqueous degradation by enzyme, water absorption and biodegradability behavior were evaluated for the degradability. The assessment of the biodegradability of PVA/Starch are explored by water absorption test, enzymatic hydrolysis and method for determination the ultimate aerobic biodegradability and disintegration of plastic materials undercontrolled composting conditions (CNS14432). Results showed that addition of modified starch will enhance its water uptake according to water absorption test. With addition of 20wt% of modified starch, the blend had a maximum weight loss during enzymatic hydrolysis. It was also found that the degradability was enhanced with the addition of the starch by CNS14432.