Mechanical Properties of PBAT/STARCH Films Submitted to Accelerated Weathering

Abstract

In this study, extruded plastic films of PBAT mixed with starch in proportions of 0, 30, and 40% were submitted to the accelerated weathering procedure at 0, 360, and 720 hours under UV radiation. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus of PBAT films under tension were evaluated before and after the accelerated weathering. The results pointed to a significant increase in the deformation values of the films with the highest starch concentration and an increase in stiffness after the degradation process.