Control of end‐of‐life oxygen‐containing groups accumulation in biopolyesters through introduction of crosslinked polysaccharide particles

Abstract The formulation of bio‐based materials with good performance in service and controlled end‐of‐life is imperative for an effective circular economy. In this work, innovative approach to induce control the biodegradable polyesters through introduction crosslinked polysaccharide particles proposed. Chitosan (Ch) has been subjected ionotropically crosslinking then added polylactic acid (PLA) at different amounts (1.0–4.0%w) by melt mixing. All obtained results suggest that addition Ch (cCh) does not modify significantly investigated biopolyester properties. Specifically, thermal analysis composites reveals unmodified alters PLA behavior, while cCh change glass transition, cold crystallization fusion phenomena. infrared UV–visible spectroscopic analyses no significant changes structure. PLA/cCh films show a optical transparency, which desirable property food packaging applications. addition, thin PLA‐based have UVB exposure accumulation oxygen‐containing groups monitored time analysis. Interestingly, low time, presence chitosan slows down these groups, long induces accelerated oxygen‐groups formation, supporting its beneficial effect as accelerant.