Biodegradable blends of cellulose with synthetic polymers and some other polysaccharides

Powder blends of low density polyethylene with cellulose were obtained under action of high-temperature shear deformations in a rotor disperser at different initial ratios of the components. It was shown that the composition of the powder fractions is identical to the original blend composition. Using X-ray diffraction analysis the structure of the initial and forming powder blends was investigated, the mechanical characteristics of the prepared films were measured and the features of thermo- and photooxidative degradation were studied. It was established that the addition of poly(ethylene oxide) as well as polysaccharides chitin or chitosan as a third component promotes an increase in the biodegradability of compositions and, consequently, results in the expansion of the possible areas of application of the related materials.

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► Cellulose-based binary and ternary blends were obtained in a rotor disperser.
► Composition of the powder fractions is identical to the original blend composition.
► Structure of the initial and forming powder blends was investigated.
► Mechanical properties and biodegradability of the blends depend on their composition.
► Introduction of PEO or chitin/chitosan increases their biodegradability.