Effect of Moisture Content on the Processing and Mechanical Properties of a Biodegradable Polyester.

Vincenzo Titone,Antonio Correnti,Francesco Paolo La Mantia

doi:10.3390/polym13101616

Abstract

This work is focused on the influence of moisture content on the processing and mechanical properties of a biodegradable polyester used for applications in injection molding. The pellets of the biodegradable polyester were exposed under different relative humidity conditions at a constant temperature before being compression molded. The compression-molded specimens were again placed under the above conditions before the mechanical testing. With all these samples, it is possible to determine the effect of moisture content on the processing and mechanical properties separately, as well as the combined effect of moisture content on the mechanical properties. The results obtained showed that the amount of absorbed water—both before processing and before mechanical testing—causes an increase in elongation at break and a slight reduction of the elastic modulus and tensile strength. These changes have been associated with possible hydrolytic degradation during the compression molding process and, in particular, with the plasticizing action of the moisture absorbed by the specimens.

Highlights

The increasing use of plastics in agriculture and the growing amount of land and sea debris have led to the design and development of new polymer materials more “friendly”
This work is focused on the influence of moisture content on the processing and mechanical properties of a biodegradable polyester used for applications in injection molding
In our previous work [13], we demonstrated how the presence of moisture significantly affects the mechanical properties of biodegradable polyesters subjected to UV irradiation

Summary

Introduction

The increasing use of plastics in agriculture and the growing amount of land and sea debris have led to the design and development of new polymer materials more “friendly” These biodegradable polymers are more expensive than traditional ones but are more environmentally friendly and more suitable for several specific applications, such as food packaging, agricultural mulching films, etc. Biodegradable and compostable polymers are very appealing when used for some applications in agriculture such as films for mulching and plastic pots because these products can be left in the ground where they are transformed into water, CO2 , and biomass This biomass is useful as a soil improver. Polycarbonate blend exposed at high temperature and humidity, finding a significant moisture absorption and hydrolysis, resulting in degradation of properties. Muthuraj et al [12] reported studies on the hydrolytic degradation of poly(butylene succinate), PBS, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), PBAT, and PBS/PBAT blend, finding

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion