Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5201009 Polymer Degradation and Stability 2016 12 Pages PDF
Abstract
In this paper the processing and properties of flexible electrospun biocomposites based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blended with 25 wt% of poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), plasticized with 15 wt% of acetyl(tributyl citrate) (ATBC) and further loaded with 1 wt% and 5 wt% of chitosan (Ch) or catechin (Cat) microparticles are reported. Both fillers present a high content of hydroxyl groups on their surfaces. The morphological, structural, thermal and mechanical performance of electrospun biocomposites was investigated. The lowest amounts of Ch or Cat added (1 wt%) produced better interactions among PLA, PHB and plasticizer. Chitosan produced some bead defects in the fibers, which leads to a reduction of the mechanical performance on biocomposites. Catechin antioxidant effect improved the thermal stability of biocomposites and produced beads-free fibers with better mechanical performance. All biocomposites were disintegrated in composting conditions showing their possible applications as biodegradable films.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemistry Organic Chemistry
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