Biodegradable thermoplastic starch/poly (vinyl alcohol)

Abstract

In this chapter, the formation, structures, and properties of a series of thermoplastic starch/ poly(vinylalcohol)(PVOH) nanocomposites with layered silicates are discussed. The relative concentrations of PVOH and layered silicate could be related to changes in intergallery spacing and formed a highly ordered intercalated structure. Dispersion of clay platelets was shown to be important in improving mechanical properties in these nanocomposites as was the interfacial interactions of filler and matrix (the more agglomerated composites containing both layered silicate and PVOH led to enhanced tensile strength and tensile modulus as compared to the more well dispersed composites without PVOH). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the thermoplastic starch and starch nanocomposites indicated a range of hydrogen bonding environments were produced between starch chains, PVOH and layered silicates during the extrusion processing stage. The evolution of distinct crystalline phases with ageing is also discussed.