Shift In Glass Transition Temperature Research Articles

Fabrication and evaluation of poly(lactic acid), chitosan, and tricalcium phosphate biocomposites for guided bone regeneration

ABSTRACTThis study presents and evaluates an approach for fabricating poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/chitosan (CS)/tricalcium phosphate (TCP) electrospun scaffolds for guided bone regeneration, a dental procedure that uses membranes to direct and delineate regions of osteogenesis. Biomaterials were pre‐processed using cryomilling, a solid‐state grinding technique that facilitates the generation of powdered biocomposites conducive to electrospinning. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the generation of cryomilled blends consisting of PLA, CS, and TCP. Results from the differential scanning calorimetry showed an upward shift in glass transition temperature and an increase in crystallinity with the inclusion of TCP reinforcing the observations from XRD. Murine macrophages were used to confirm the biocompatibility of the cryomilled powders and was evaluated using CellTiter‐Blue (CTB) cell viability assay and brightfield microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the morphology of the fibers produced via electrospinning, while Raman spectroscopy confirmed material homogeneity.In vitrostudies with MG‐63 cells validated the capacity of composite scaffolds to encourage proliferation, while Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering and fluorescence microscopies provided visual evidence of cell proliferation. CTB assay revealed that cells maintain viability and metabolic activity at 3 and 7 days after seeding, demonstrating the potential of the biocomposite membranes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46692.

Synthesis and characterization of bio-polymer electrolyte based on iota-carrageenan with ammonium thiocyanate and its applications

Solid polymer electrolyte based on iota-carrageenan (i-carrageeenan) with ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) has been prepared by solution casting technique using distilled water as solvent. Increase of amorphous nature of the polymer/salt complex has been confirmed by XRD analysis. The complex formation between the polymer and salt has been confirmed by FTIR analysis. A shift in glass transition temperature (Tg) of the i-carrageeenan/ NH4SCN electrolytes has been observed from the DSC thermograms. From AC impedance spectroscopy, the maximum conductivity value has been found to be 3.56 × 10−3 S/cm for i-carrageeenan (1 g): NH4SCN (0.3 wt%) at room temperature. Also it has been observed that the activation energy evaluated from the Arrhenius plots has been found to be low (0.21 eV) for i-carrageeenan (1 g): NH4SCN (0.3 wt%) polymer electrolyte. The ionic transference number has been measured using DC Wagner’s polarization method for highest conducting polymer membrane and the result indicates that the conductivity of the electrolyte is predominantly due to ions. The electrochemical stability of the electrolyte i-carrageeenan (1 g): NH4SCN (0.3 wt%) has been studied by linear sweep voltammetry. Using this maximum ionic conductivity polymer electrolyte, the proton battery and fuel cell have been constructed and the cell parameters have been reported.

Synthesis and characterization of pectin-based biopolymer electrolyte for electrochemical applications

An attempt has been made to synthesize a polymer electrolyte based on biopolymer pectin with ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) salt by solution casting technique. Amorphous/crystalline nature of the polymer electrolyte has been studied by X-ray diffraction technique. The complexation between polymer and salt has been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A shift in glass transition temperature of the pectin: NH4SCN electrolytes have been observed from the differential scanning calorimetry thermograms. Ionic conductivity of the electrolytes was measured through impedance spectroscopic technique. The frequency and temperature dependence of ionic conductivity has been studied. The highest conductivity of 1.5 × 10−3 S cm−1 was observed for 40 mol% pectin: 60 mol% NH4SCN sample. Transference number measurement was carried out to confirm the nature of the charge transport species in the polymer electrolyte. Electrochemical stability of the highest conducting sample was studied by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The value is found to be 3.69 V. Using highest proton-conducting membrane, a proton battery has been constructed.

Semi-aromatic polyamide-based nanocomposites: I. in-situ polymerization in the presence of graphene oxide

In-situ interfacial polymerization method was employed to synthesize nanocomposites based on a semi-aromatic polyamide (PA) and pristine or sulfonated graphene oxides (GO or SGO, respectively). The PA chains were produced at the interface of a nonaqueous solution of isophthaloyl dichloride and an aqueous triethylenetetramine solution containing different amounts of GO or SGO dispersed nanosheets. The effects of SGO and pristine GO on the structure, thermal stability and dynamic mechanical and electrical properties of PA were studied. Favorable interfacial interactions between SGO and PA were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Consequently, SGO significantly increased the thermal stability and char residues of PA. Furthermore, adding both pristine and sulfonated GO nanosheets led to an enhancement in storage modulus and a shift in glass transition temperature of the polyamide. Finally, the facile sulfonation of GO resulted in partial reduction of the electrically insulating nanosheets and hence the electrical conductivity and dielectric constant of PA were increased by 10 and 3 times, respectively, at SGO content of 1.0 wt%.

Enhancing Fracture Toughness and Stress Energy Release Rate of Vinyl Ester Matrix Using Dual Reinforcement of CNT and GNP

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we report a method of increasing fracture toughness (KIC) and strain energy release rate (GIC) of vinyl ester matrix by adopting a dual reinforcement strategy. Reinforcements were carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). Both categories of nanoparticles were functionalized with COOH. The idea was to enhance crack bridging and interface sliding with CNT inclusions, given their high aspect ratio. In addition, promote crack-tip blunting and cross-linking density with GNP inclusions, due to their platelet structures. Both KIC and GIC were measured using ASTM D5045-14. An exhaustive experimental study revealed an optimum loading of both nanoparticles to be 0.25 wt% CNT and 0.5 wt% GNP, based on the highest combination of KIC and GIC values. We observed that stress intensity factor, KIC, of neat vinyl ester increased by 43% from 1.14 to 1.62 MPa*(m½). Meanwhile, the improvement in GIC was even greater with an increase of 65%, i.e., from 370 to 610 J/(m2). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies showed a discernible shift in glass transition temperature (Tg) from 123 to 128°C. The slight temperature increase was similar in thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). We observed the maximum thermal decomposition temperature (Tp) increase from 410 to 414°C, as was evident in the derivative TGA (DTG) curves.

Rewiring Yarrowia lipolytica toward triacetic acid lactone for materials generation

Polyketides represent an extremely diverse class of secondary metabolites often explored for their bioactive traits. These molecules are also attractive building blocks for chemical catalysis and polymerization. However, the use of polyketides in larger scale chemistry applications is stymied by limited titers and yields from both microbial and chemical production. Here, we demonstrate that an oleaginous organism (specifically, Yarrowia lipolytica) can overcome such production limitations owing to a natural propensity for high flux through acetyl-CoA. By exploring three distinct metabolic engineering strategies for acetyl-CoA precursor formation, we demonstrate that a previously uncharacterized pyruvate bypass pathway supports increased production of the polyketide triacetic acid lactone (TAL). Ultimately, we establish a strain capable of producing over 35% of the theoretical conversion yield to TAL in an unoptimized tube culture. This strain also obtained an averaged maximum titer of 35.9 ± 3.9 g/L with an achieved maximum specific productivity of 0.21 ± 0.03 g/L/h in bioreactor fermentation. Additionally, we illustrate that a β-oxidation-related overexpression (PEX10) can support high TAL production and is capable of achieving over 43% of the theoretical conversion yield under nitrogen starvation in a test tube. Next, through use of this bioproduct, we demonstrate the utility of polyketides like TAL to modify commodity materials such as poly(epichlorohydrin), resulting in an increased molecular weight and shift in glass transition temperature. Collectively, these findings establish an engineering strategy enabling unprecedented production from a type III polyketide synthase as well as establish a route through O-functionalization for converting polyketides into new materials.

Development, Actuation and Material Analysis of Shape Memory Alloy Reinforced Composite Flapper

The smart composite structure embedded with shape memory alloy wires is a viable alternative to conventional bulk smart structures. In this work, shape memory alloy smart structure has been fabricated with different lengths and their material-actuation behavior has been explored. The SMA composite flapper of 250mm length shows an actuation of 6.98mm in 18.42s whereas 200mm length shows an actuation of 4.24mm in 29.4s. Change in the material properties of the composite structure before and after actuation has been analyzed. The shift in glass transition temperature of the material after actuation has been correlated with composite length using DSC analysis. After actuation for certain cycles, the failure of the sample was concluded through SEM images.

Electron beam irradiation effect on the mechanical properties of nanosilica-filled polyurethane films

Polyurethane (PU) is a good candidate to be used as conformal coatings for space electronic components and boards due to its manufacturability and desirable mechanical properties. It also keeps tin whiskers from growing on the tin-rich surfaces under a long-term usage that will ultimately result in electrical failure. PU coating can, however, be susceptible to the irradiation damage in space environment that ultimately alters its chemical structure and mechanical behavior. In this study, four variations of PU-based coatings (PU filled with and without nanosilica particles; polyurethane acrylate (PUA) filled with and without nanosilica particles) were investigated to understand the irradiation damage on chemical structure and the corresponding mechanical properties under three electron beam irradiation fluences (1 × 1014 cm−2, 1 × 1015 cm−2, 1 × 1016 cm−2). Infrared spectroscopy was used to examine the degradation of chemical bonding with irradiation. Microphase separation, the degree of curing, and molecule chain mobility were examined via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) by monitoring the shift in glass transition temperatures after the irradiation. The electron beam irradiation on PU films resulted in the quinone structure formation whereas, on PUA film, microphase separation increased, thereby making both films stronger and stiffer, but less ductile and more brittle. As a result, PU and PUA coatings under a high fluence of irradiation will be more prone to tin whisker penetration. This study also shows the potential effect of nanosilica on retarding the irradiation damage in PU and PUA films.

Elastic polyurethane foams containing graphene nanoplatelets

AbstractElastic polyurethane foams were produced from two‐component polyurethane systems (SPECFLEX NE 113 izocyjanian/NR 816 poliol system—SPC and Elastic MBMarket company system POLYOL ET MB 500/ISO ET MB 800—ET) by using a one‐step method. The foams were a graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) in the amount ranging from 1 to 2 wt.%. The effect of the nanofiller on polyurethane matrix was determined by analyzing the chemical structure, static and dynamic mechanical properties, and thermal stability of reinforced foams. The application of the carbon nanofiller resulted in increased density and hardness of the obtained composites. The addition of the nanofiller caused a shift in glass transition temperature toward lower temperature values, and an increase in the Young's modulus, but did not significantly affected the thermal stability of the obtained composites. The research results showed that graphene nanoplatelets nanofiller can be successfully used as a modifier of mechanical and thermal properties in elastic polyurethane foams.

Effect of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Viscoelastic Properties of PP/Reed Flour Composites

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the dynamic mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/reed flour (RF) composites. The experimental samples were prepared through the melt mixing of PP/RF at 50% weight ratios, with various amounts of MWCNTs (0, 1, 2, 3 and 5 phr) in a twin-screw extruder, then the samples made by injection molding. The amount of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) as a coupling agent was fixed at 2 phr for all formulations. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests were carried out to investigate the viscoelastic behavior of nanocomposites. The dynamic mechanical properties such as storage modulus (Eʹ), loss modulus (Eʺ), and damping coefficient (tan δ) of nanocomposites were investigated in the temperature range of −80 to 160 °C at a step of 5 °C and frequency of 1 Hz. The morphology of the specimens was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) technique. Results indicated that the storage modulus of samples was found to increase with incorporation of MWCNTs while damping properties registered a decrease, owing to the reinforcing effect of CNTs into the composites. Moreover, CNTs addition leads to a positive shift in glass transition temperature (Tg), which is explained on the molecular mobility of the polymer chains behavior. Additionally, the minimum adhesion factor is related to samples containing 2 phr MWCNTs which provides the best interaction between polymer and fibers. FE-SEM micrographs showed a predominantly homogeneous CNTs distribution through the composites; however, some aggregates were observed at higher CNTs fractions.

Enhanced compatibility and mechanical properties of carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/styrene butadiene rubber by using graphene oxide as reinforcing filler

This work reports a novel compatibilizer and reinforcing filler, graphene oxide (GO), which significantly improved the thermal and mechanical properties of immiscible carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) blends. The observed glass transition temperature shift of XNBR/SBR blends demonstrated the improved compatibility of XNBR and SBR. The analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectra and Raman spectroscopy indicated that GO could form both hydrogen bonding with XNBR and π-π conjugation with SBR, which favored the compatibility of XNBR and SBR components in the blends. This unique amphiphilic character of GO enabled it interact with both polar and non-polar components and significantly improve the mechanical properties of the system. With incorporation of only 0.3 phr (parts per hundred rubber) GO, the tensile strength and tear strength of XNBR/SBR blend increased by 71% and 94%, respectively. The temperature of the maximal rate of degradation process improved by 10 °C, and a higher resistance to swelling in toluene was obtained as well. This work suggests the GO has the potential to be a suitable reinforcing filler and compatibilizer in the immiscible XNBR/SBR blends.

Synthesis and characterization of proton-conducting polymer electrolyte based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN)

Solid polymer electrolytes based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) doped with ammonium iodide (NH4I) have been prepared by solution casting method with different molar ratios of polymer and salt using DMF as solvent. The XRD pattern confirms the dissociation of salt. The FTIR analysis confirms the complex formation between the polymer and the salt. A shift in glass transition temperature (T g ) of the PAN/NH4I electrolytes has been observed from the DSC thermograms, which indicates the interaction between the polymer and the salt. The conductivity analysis shows that the polymer electrolyte with 20 mol% NH4I has the highest conductivity equal to 1.106 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature. The activation energy (E a ) has been found to be low for the highest conductivity sample. The dielectric permittivity (e*) and modulus (M*) have been calculated from the alternating current (AC) impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range 42 Hz–1 MHz. The DC polarization measurement shows that the conductivity is mainly due to ions.

Influence of carbon nanotubes functionalization on their dispersibility and properties of poly(styrene/methacrylate) nanocomposites

Nanocomposites with polystyrene, poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) and poly(styrene-co-octadecyl methacrylate) matrix and pristine or oxidized, methyl ester, dodecyl ester, ethyl benzene ester functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes are prepared by in situ polymerization reaction. Performed preparation has revealed possibility of a direct synthesis of complex nanocomposites with volatile accomplishment of the distribution and dispersion of carbon nanotubes depending on their functionalization in relation to the host matrix. Calorimetric measurements show a glass transition temperature shift downwards in all composites while the opposite is obtained by dynamical mechanical analysis. However, it turned out that the contribution of added filler in the matrix depends on the particular type of functional groups introduced to the surface of the carbon nanotubes, so that shifts towards both higher and lower values of the mechanical moduli are recorded.

Hybrid nanocomposites based on poly aryl ether ketone, boron carbide and multi walled carbon nanotubes: evaluation of tensile, dynamic mechanical and thermal degradation properties

Abstract In this study an attempt has been made to incorporate a radiation resistant filler like boron carbide (B4C) nanopowder along with multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in a high performance polymer namely poly aryl ether ketone (PAEK) for potential applications in the nuclear industry. The dispersion of nanofillers in PAEK was established by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Infra red (IR) spectroscopy indicated the interaction between functionalized MWCNT (F-MWCNT) and PAEK. The optimum combination of B4C and F-MWCNT was obtained from the tensile property analysis. It was found from the dynamic mechanical analysis that the storage modulus of the composite at elevated temperature was enhanced by B4C inclusions. Mechanical damping factor spectra showed the shift of PAEK glass transition temperature to higher values due to the presence of B4C and F-MWCNT. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) presented the resistance offered by B4C to the degradation of PAEK especially at elevated temperatures.

Viable Approach for Forming Uniform Polymer Nanocomposites with Ultrahigh Filler Loading

Nanocomposites have the potential in offering unique material properties and behavior due to synergy between the matrix and nanofiller. Organic-inorganic nanocomposites, such as polymers filled with inorganic nanoparticles, have drawn significant attention with the combination of soft and hard matter, which have found use in a diverse range of applications, including energy capture, energy storage, aviation, aerospace, separations, barrier protection, and biomedicine. Current methods of making nanocomposites, including sol-gel, solution casting, physical blending and surface-initiated polymerization, often encounter filler aggregation problems, particularly when the amount of nanofiller exceeds 10–15 wt%. The aggregation behavior has been shown through experiments and simulation to cause phase separation that weakens the nanocomposite structure and capabilities. This natural tendency for nanoparticle aggregation has severely limited filler loading and potential material property enhancements. Here, initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) is introduced as a unique approach for enabling uniform and ultrahigh loading of fillers in polymer nanocomposites. iCVD is a liquid-free polymerization technique that simultaneously grows a polymer thin film on supporting substrates. To achieve uniform and ultrahigh loading, the nanofiller network is first constructed to create a porous 3D nanostructure containing nanovoids in which iCVD can be utilized to fill the pore spaces. With the low pressure, solventless CVD environment, rapid diffusion of monomer and initiator vapor precursors leads to conformal polymer growth throughout the porous network under reaction-limited conditions. This contrasts with current methods in which the nanofiller is physically mixed and compounded with the polymer in solution or as a melt. The iCVD approach enables ultrahigh loading (>80 wt%) of nanofiller that is well-dispersed. As a result, it opens the door for investigating the properties of polymer nanocomposites under ultrahigh nanofiller loading, an area that has been previously limited by processing challenges. With an appreciable interaction of the polymer and the nanofiller at their interface at such high loading, there will be significant effects on the thermal, mechanical, and electronic properties of the composite material. For example, one of the first polymers investigated has been poly(glycidol) (PGL). Utilizing a cationic ring opening polymerization of glycidol monomer together with boron trifluoride initiator, iCVD successfully polymerized PGL within the mesopores (10–25 nm) of a network of TiO2 nanoparticles. The PGL-TiO2 nanocomposite showed a remarkable increase of 50–60 °C in the glass transition temperature compared to bulk PGL without any nanofiller. As one of the highest glass transition temperature shifts recorded, this resulted in PGL shifting from a soft, hydrogel-like polymer to a hard glass at room temperature. The glass transition change is attributed to appreciable hydrogen bonding interactions between PGL and surface hydroxyl groups on the TiO2 nanoparticle surfaces. Here, we will discuss in detail the iCVD approach in forming ultrahigh loading polymer nanocomposites. In particular, the interactions of different polymers with the TiO2 nanoparticle network will be presented, including PGL, poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl acrylate) (PPFDA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The impact on thermal, mechanical, and microstructural properties will be discussed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC), atomic force microscopy (AFM)/nanoindentation, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results.

Configurational entropy of polar glass formers and the effect of electric field on glass transition.

A model of low-temperature polar liquids is constructed that accounts for the configurational heat capacity, entropy, and the effect of a strong electric field on the glass transition. The model is based on the Padé-truncated perturbation expansions of the liquid state theory. Depending on parameters, it accommodates an ideal glass transition of vanishing configurational entropy and its avoidance, with a square-root divergent enumeration function at the point of its termination. A composite density-temperature parameter ρ(γ)/T, often used to represent combined pressure and temperature data, follows from the model. The theory is in good agreement with the experimental data for excess (over the crystal state) thermodynamics of molecular glass formers. We suggest that the Kauzmann entropy crisis might be a signature of vanishing configurational entropy of a subset of degrees of freedom, multipolar rotations in our model. This scenario has observable consequences: (i) a dynamical crossover of the relaxation time and (ii) the fragility index defined by the ratio of the excess heat capacity and excess entropy at the glass transition. The Kauzmann temperature of vanishing configurational entropy and the corresponding glass transition temperature shift upward when the electric field is applied. The temperature shift scales quadratically with the field strength.

Investigating the effect of TiO2 on the structure and biocompatibility of bioactive glass.

Titanium (Ti4+ ) containing materials have been widely used in medical applications due to its associated bioactivity in vivo. This study investigates the replacement of Si4+ with Ti4+ within the system SiO2 -Na2 O-CaO-P2 O5 to determine its influence on glass structure. This strategy was conducted in order to control the glass solubility to further improve the cellular response. Ti4+ incorporation was found to have little influence on the glass transition temperature (Tg = 520 ± 8°C) and magic angle spinning-nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) shifts (-80 ppm) up to additions of 18 wt %. However, at 30 wt % the Tg increased to 600°C and MAS-NMR spectra shifted to -88 ppm. There was also an associated reduction in glass solubility as a function of Ti4+ incorporation as determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy where Si4+ (1649-44 mg/L) and Na+ (892-36 mg/L) levels greatly reduced while Ca2+ (3-5 mg/L) and PO43- (2-7 mg/L) levels remained relatively unchanged. MC3T3 osteoblasts were used for cell culture testing and it was determined that the Ti4+ glasses increased cell viability and also facilitated greater osteoblast adhesion and proliferation to the glass surface compared to the control glass. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1703-1712, 2016.

Poly(vinyl chloride) films plasticized with novel poly‐nadic‐anhydride polyester plasticizers

In this work, several novel poly‐nadic‐anhydride polyester plasticizers were developed to be used in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) film fabrication for the first time. Mechanical properties of the films, the compatibility of plasticizers in PVC resin, as well as testing of migration of the plasticizers, were performed in order to evaluate the efficiency of plasticization. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterize the unplasticized and plasticized polymer. The results demonstrated that the as‐prepared poly‐nadic‐anhydride plasticized PVC film significantly improved the plasticization efficiency of PVC film based on the increase in the break in elongation of the films. According to scanning electron microscopy analysis, the poly‐nadic‐anhydride polyester plasticizers presented good compatibility with PVC resin. In volatility and extraction tests, PVC films plasticized with the poly‐nadic‐anhydrides showed enhanced migration resistance. The plasticizing effects induced by the poly‐nadic‐anhydride polyester plasticizers were also confirmed by a glass transition temperature shift toward lower temperatures in the plasticized films. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 23:321–328, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Characterization of proton conducting polymer blend electrolytes based on PVdF-PVA

The polymer electrolytes composed of poly (vinylidene fluoride) PVdF and poly (vinyl alcohol) PVA with various ratios of ammonium thiocyanate(NH4SCN) salt have been prepared by solution casting method. The increase in amorphous nature of polymer electrolytes has been confirmed by XRD analysis. The polymers-salt interactions have been analysed by FTIR spectroscopy. The Scanning Electron Micrographs affirm the smooth morphology of the polymer electrolytes. A shift in glass transition temperature (Tg) of the electrolytes has been observed from the DSC thermograms which indicates the interaction between polymers and salt. The conductivity and dielectric measurements are carried out on these films as a function of frequency at various temperatures. From the complex impedance spectroscopy, the conductivity is found to increase in the order of 10−9 to 10−3 S/cm at room temperature with the increase in salt concentration. The ionic transference number of the mobile ions has been estimated by Wagner's polarization method and the results reveal that the conducting species are predominantly due to ions.

Thermoplastic starch plasticized with alginate–glycerol mixtures: Melt-processing evaluation and film properties

Corn starch melt-processing in the presence of a commonly used plasticizer mixture (water/glycerol) and a non-conventional alternative (alginate/glycerol) was evaluated. All assayed formulations were successfully processed by melt-mixing and injected in circular probes. It was determined that all samples presented a typical viscoelastic behavior, observing a decrease in storage and loss modulus with water and alginate concentration, which facilitated samples processability. Concerning to thermal stability, it was not affected neither for water nor alginate presence. From injected probes, flexible films were obtained by thermo-compression. Films with the highest assayed water content presented a sticky appearance, whereas those containing alginate were non-tacky. Plasticizing action of water and alginate was evidenced by the occurrence of homogeneous fracture surfaces, without the presence of unmelted starch granules. Besides, the shift of glass transition temperature to lower values also corroborated the plasticizing effect of both additives. In conclusion, obtained results demonstrated the well-plasticizing action of sodium alginate on starch matrix, turning this additive into a promissory alternative to replace water during melt-processing of thermoplastic corn-starch.