Starch has been of interest for polymer applications for almost two centuries. Its use in biodegradable plastics has been motivated in part by concerns over the negative impact of conventional plastics on the environment. Starch has advantages such as being a low-cost, annually renewable resource that is biodegradable. However, its use in plastics is challenged […]
Polyurethane foams, ubiquitous in diverse applications, have seen remarkable innovations with the integration of starch as an extender. The versatile nature of starch imparts unique characteristics to polyurethane foams, influencing stiffness, compressive strength, and other essential properties depending on the type of foam. Tailoring Foam Characteristics with Starch Incorporating granular starch into the formulation yields […]
The marriage of granular starch with synthetic polymers has given rise to a fascinating realm of thermoplastic starch compounds, heralding a new era of versatile materials. This article delves into the nuances of these compounds, exploring synthesis methods, applications across diverse industries, and the ongoing innovations in the field. Synthesis Methods and Blending Techniques Granular […]
In the realm of polymer chemistry, the union of starch and synthetic polymers through graft copolymerization has become a fascinating endeavor, introducing a myriad of applications across diverse industries. This article delves into the art and science of starch graft copolymers, exploring their synthesis methods, applications, and unique characteristics. Synthesis Methods Starch graft copolymers arise […]
In the world of rubber reinforcement, the quest for small particles, specifically around 2 μm or less, has been a longstanding challenge. The conventional size of starch granules exceeds this threshold, prompting scientists to explore innovative methods to shrink their dimensions and harness their potential in rubber compounds. Unveiling Starch Xanthate’s Reinforcement Power Buchanan et […]
The strategic use of fillers in plastics has long been a key practice to tailor properties such as stiffness, strength, or cost. However, this approach may introduce trade-offs, impacting properties like tensile or impact strength. The intricate dance of properties in filled plastics is heavily influenced by the filler’s size, shape, and its ability to […]
Starch-based plastics were first explored through chemical modification of starch. However, the resulting films were brittle at low humidity. To improve the properties, esters of starch or isolated amylose were prepared. Plasticized starch triacetate films had similar tensile properties to cellulose triacetate, but amylopectin esters or whole starch esters were weak and brittle. The high […]
Biodegradable disposable gloves are gloves that are made from materials that can decompose naturally in the environment. These gloves are designed to break down into natural elements like carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within a specific period of time. Unlike traditional disposable gloves made from petroleum-based plastics, biodegradable gloves are made from renewable resources such […]
The development of operational methods for the manufacture of products from thermoplastic starches using classical polymer technology is a major challenge. Processes designed for synthetic polymers could potentially produce starch plastics that act as supplements to existing synthetic products, but starch plastics have not yet become widely introduced as consumer goods due to major drawbacks […]
Extrusion-cooking is a widely used technique for processing plant starch into thermoplastic starch (TPS). The specific mechanical energy (SME) consumption is a significant factor in determining the amount of energy required to obtain a product mass unit using this technique. The SME is the energy required per unit mass of the processed material and is […]