Full Description
This first book on this new green material collates all the information hitherto scattered in journal articles and on websites, thus meeting the application-oriented needs of the reader. The contents stretch between many important areas, such as production and applications of biopolymeric material, fundamental knowledge and practical applications, and includes valuable experimental case studies, which can be directly used in industrial practice. All the data satisfies EU environmental regulations, which are the most stringent worldwide.
Contents
Preface BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS AND THEIR PRACTICAL UTILITY Natural Polymers Polymers with Hydrolyzable Backbones Polymers with Carbon Backbones Practical Applications of Biodegradable Polymers BLENDS OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC POLYMERS Introduction Starch in Blends with Polymers Mechanical Properties of Starch/Polymer Blends Compatibilizers Conclusions BIODEGRADABILITY AND COMPOSTABILITY OF BIOPOLYMERS Definitions and Norms Biodegradability of Starch-Based Products Biodegradability of Polyesters Photo-Biodegradable Plastics Controlled Degradation Additive Masterbatches Methods of Biodegradability Measurement Environmental Aspects of Biopolymers TPS AND ITS NATURE Structure and Properties Glass Transition Temperature Mechanical Properties of Granulates Conclusions THE MELTING PROCESS IN THERMOPLASTIC STARCHES Introduction Melting Process Influence of Plasticizers on Melting Behavior of Starch Conclusions EXTRUDERS Introduction Single-Screw Extruders Pin Extruders Closely Intermeshing Twin-Screw Extruders Self-Wiping Twin-Screw Extruders Non-Intermeshing Twin-Screw Extruders Influence of Low-Viscosity Monomeric Feed The Mathematic of Extrusion Concluding Remarks EXTRUSION-COOKING OF TPS Process Stability Specific Mechanical Energy Conclusions INFLUENCE OF PROCESS CONDITIONS ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF TPS Plasticizers Extrusion of Thermoplastic Starch Test Methods Glass Transition Temperature Tensile Strength Impact Strength Shrinkage Conclusion TPS FILM-BLOWING Mechanical Properties of Films Concluding Remarks INJECTION-MOLDING Screw Injection Molding Injection-Molding Parameters Injection Technology Use and Development Trends Reinforced Injection-Molding Application of Natural Fibers in Processing of Biopolymers Chemical Modification of Fibers INFLUENCE OF ADDITION OF FIBER ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF TPS MOLDINGS Theory of Reinforcements Experimental Data on Fiber-Reinforced TPS Critical Fiber Length Mechanical Properties Conclusions STORAGE AND BIODEGRADABILITY OF TPS MOLDINGS The Influence of Low Temperatures on the Mechanical Properties of TPS Moldings Evaluation of Biodegradability of TPS Moldings Concluding Remarks SCALING-UP OF THERMOPLASTIC STARCH EXTRUSION Introduction Basic Analysis Summary of Equations Used Kinematic Similarity Geometrical Similarity Motor Power and Torque Equal Average End Temperature Similar Temperature Profiles Similarity in Residence Times Guidelines for Scaling
