Influence of Plasticizers on Thermoplastic Starch (TPS) Properties developed from Polystyrene

Abstract

Starch is a naturally occurring biodegradable polymer belongs to class of polysaccharide. Present hydroxyl group in starch form hydrogen bond with H2O molecules which makes it semi synthetics biodegradable polymer. The present observation is on polystyrene film and plasticized potato starch (PPS) blend through injection moulding method laboratory scale. Three samples were produced along in 5, 10 and 15% composition of polystyrene and potato starch using modifier like Sorbitol, Glycerol and Urea. Developing approaches toward biodegradable properties in polystyrene were analyzed by chemical treatment, water absorption test, and soil burial test in compost medium in 20, 30, 40 and 60 days interval, which indicates a continuous decrease in weight with increased plasticizers contents and number of days. Variation in mechanical properties like tensile strength, izod impact strength is also measure and compare with reference material.