Influence of microcrystalline cellulose in thermoplastic starch/polyester blown films

Abstract

This work investigated the influence of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in thermoplastic starch/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) films produced by blown extrusion, using different MCC contents (4, 7 and 10 g.100 g-1). The films were characterised for their mechanical, structural and barrier properties. Increasing fibres concentration reduced the tensile strength (6.9 to 4.6 MPa), the elongation at break (568 to 147%) and weight loss in water (12.8 to 11.1%) of the films. The rigidity of the films increased from 19.8 MPa (without MCC) to 79.2 MPa in the samples with 10 g.100 g-1 of MCC. SEM images showed the occurrence of some agglomerates in this sample. The water vapour permeability of the films was not affected by the presence of MCC. The production of starch/PBAT/MCC films by blown extrusion was successful; however some adjustments are necessary to improve the dispersion of the particles at the polymeric matrix.