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.