Controlled biodegradability of functionalized thermoplastic starch based materials

The present work focuses on the preparation and characterization of biodegradable materials based on plasticized and chemically modified starch. During the experiments, the morphology, properties and biodegradability of the starch materials were influenced by the functionalization (acetylation, propionation) of the starch, different processing procedures and the use of plasticizers. The starch materials were prepared by either solution casting or melt mixing or by the combination of the two procedures, which strongly affected the degree of the material plasticization, its homogeneity, and the final morphology. FTIR spectroscopy qualitatively proved the esterification of starch by the intensity of signals associated with esters groups. The thermogravimetric analysis confirmed a gradual reduction in the water content proportional to the acetylation of starches, as well as noticeable changes in their thermal properties at the higher degree of substitution (DS). Signal intensities and weight losses derived from FTIR and TGA, respectively, were well correlated with DS. The morphological changes of the polysaccharide materials were visualized by microscopy techniques. The biodegradation rate of prepared materials was expressed as the percentage of carbon mineralization and was significantly retarded as a function of the starch acetylation. A remarkable effect of the material processing, the presence of plasticizers, and the propionation of the starch on biodegradation has been found.