Desenvolvimento e caracterização de blendas PHBV/Ecoflex® e suas modificações com amidos
Abstract
Plastics materials produced from petrochemicals are widely used due to
their versatility, mechanical properties and low cost, but they cause environmental
impact as a consequence of the accumulation of great amount of these
conventional synthetic polymers. The problems caused by the waste disposal of
these petrochemicals plastics impel the development, production and application of
biodegradable polymers, however these polymers have high costs and nonsuitable
mechanical and physical properties. Therefore, a study of polymeric
blends and systems made of poly(hydroxyburyrate-co-valerate) PHBV,
poly(butylyneadiapate-therefhtalate) Ecoflex® and corn starch, waxy corn starch
and manioc starch has been done. These polymeric blends and systems were
evaluated using the Melt Flow Index (MFI), Differential Scanning Calorimetry
(DSC), Thermogravimetry (TG), Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT), Mechanical
Tensile and Impact tests, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and biodegradation
test. The results obtained indicate transesterification reactions verified by DSC and
TGA, lack of adhesion between corn starch and PHBV as indicate by mechanical
tests and SEM, disagreement between the values obtained in this study and the
values indicated by the manufacturer concern to the Ecoflex® and good
biodegradation results. This study therefore indicates that it is possible to obtain
materials viable for short-term applications, with adequate physical and mechanical
properties and biodegradation.