Bio-Coating of Poly(Lactic Acid) on Thermoplastic Starch for Disposable Cutlery

Abstract:

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is an environmentally friendly material that can be used as a replacement for petroleum-based plastics in the production of disposable cutlery. However, the application of TPS is limited by its mechanical properties, low melting points, high water solubility, and inability to maintain structural integrity during usage. This research aimed to coat the surface of TPS with biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), to address these limitations. PLA solution was prepared by using a binary solvent system, comprising of acetone and dimethylformamide (Ac/DMF) to avoid the use of chlorinated solvent. Water contact angle measurements indicated that the PLA-coated TPS exhibited the improved water resistance compared to the uncoated TPS. Adhesion tests, conducted in accordance with ASTM D3359-17, revealed that the PLA coating adhered well to TPS, achieving adhesion levels of 4B-5B. Furthermore, degradation tests demonstrated that the PLA-coated TPS degraded within the range of 17-25% after 90 days. The degradation performance was comparable to the uncoated TPS, indicating that the PLA coating did not retard the biodegradability of TPS.

• Periodical: Solid State Phenomena (Volume 366)
• Pages: 3-8
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-iKr0tK
• Online since: December 2024
• Authors: Rinrada Padungkomaet, Saksit Thananthong, Rungsima Yeetsorn, Nattawat Surathin, Walaiporn Prissanaroon-Ouajai*
• Keywords: Biodegradable, Poly(Lactic Acid), Thermoplastic Starch

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