Abstract
The aim of this research was to enhance thermal stability of aliphatic polyester blends via incorporation of selected natural antioxidants of plant origin. Thermal methods of analysis, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TGA), are significant tools for estimating the stabilization effect of polyphenols in a polymer matrix. Thermal stability was determined by analyzing thermogravimetric curves. Polymers with selected antioxidants degraded more slowly with rising temperature in comparison to reference samples without additives. This property was also confirmed by results obtained from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), where the difference between the oxidation temperatures of pure material and polymer with natural stabilizers was observed. According to the results, the materials with selected antioxidants, including trans-chalcone, flavone and lignin have higher oxidation temperature than the pure ones, which confirms that chosen phytochemicals protect polymers from oxidation. Moreover, based on the colour change results or FT-IR spectra analysis, some of the selected antioxidants, including lignin and trans-chalcone, can be utilized as colorants or aging indicators. Taking into account the data obtained, naturally occurring antioxidants, including polyphenols, can be applied as versatile pro-ecological additives for biodegradable and bio-based aliphatic polyesters to obtain fully environmentally friendly materials dedicated for packaging industry.
Highlights
Nowadays, many scientists are focused on creating non-toxic, bio-based and biodegradable materials [1,2,3,4]
Differential Scanning Calorimetry was useful for oxidation stability detection of prepared materials
The glass transition temperature (Tg ) of prepared blends was about 54 ◦ C and this result corresponds with the data obtained by Zhang et al [34]
Summary
Many scientists are focused on creating non-toxic, bio-based and biodegradable materials [1,2,3,4]. In such composites, additives play an important role and should have positive impact on natural environmental and human health. The majority of them have antioxidant properties and their role relies on protecting against the harmful impact of free radicals. These substances, called antioxidants, are able to delay or inhibit oxidation reactions which are responsible for the aging processes [11]. A diet enriched with vegetables and fruit, which are full of natural
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