Processing and Characterization of Thin Wall and Biodegradable Injected Pots

Currently, the industry of molds seeks new markets with diversified products and added value. The concept associated with the production by injection of biodegradable pots is therefore of particular significance. Furthermore, environmental factors are increasingly decisive in choosing a product by the consumer, either because of imposed legislation or by the growth of a global awareness of the harmful effects than conventional polymers induce in our quality of life present and future. The general goal of this work was the design, the development and characterization of a thin walled pot for germination of plants made of biodegradable material. In this paper the processing and characterization of the bioplastic selected, the Bioplast GS 2189, is presented. Experimental results confirmed that the biodegradable material undergoes changes during its processing, which is attested by the QIS difference as well as in the reduction of the glass transition temperature, which in the post-processed (injected pot) is lower than the pre-processed material (Bioplast GS 2189). From these results it can be concluded that the injection processing of the Bioplast GS 2189 material affects its properties inducing its degradation process. This behavior can be due to the shear forces and thermal variations to which the material is submitted during the injection process. It was demonstrated that the development of future products in very thin-walled and biodegradable materials obtained by thermoplastic injection process is a competitive and effective solution for molds industries.