Abstract

BARRIOS GUZMAN, Arturo Javier et al. Biodegradable composites made from thermoplastic starch and ash wood particles. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2015, vol.6, n.28, pp.26-41. ISSN 2007-1132.

The number of studies to develop biodegradable products from natural polymers has increased, among which starch is outstanding because it is a promising material for this purpose. The present work describes the production and characterization of biocomposites of corn starch reinforced with wood particles of ash-tree, for the method of thermo-compression. The biocomposites was prepared with particle sizes, 425 μm, 600 μm and 1.4 mm, as well as, in different ratios (5, 10 and 20 %) and a thermoplastic matrix (0 % particles) was used as reference. The obtained results demonstrated that it is possible to elaborate thermoplastic starch by the thermo-compression method. The ash wood particles incorporated into the thermoplastic matrix contributed to improve the tensile strength and elongation modulus, showing a good interface (matrix-particle) observed in the SEM images. The thermal treatment (annealing) applied to the specimens had a great effect in the results of tensile strength. The composites with 10 and 20 % wood particles and of 600 μm particle size presented the major values of mechanical resistance. The biocomposites are flammable but tend to auto-extinguish. During the process of plastification occurs a slight thermal degradation which causes the formation of carbonyl groups. Incorporating wood particles to the thermoplastic matrix decreased moisture absorption.

Keywords : Biocomposite; flame test; hydrogen bonding; heat treatment; wet treatment; thermo-compression.

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