Soil Biodegradation of a Blend of Cassava Starch and Polylactic Acid

This study evaluated bio-based blended films produced from polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) under soil conditions for four weeks (W). The degradation of the film was in addition to thermal, structural, morphological changes on surface material. There were evident structural changes; TPS present degraded 0 4, exhibiting a loss mass between 350 365 °C TGA test. behavior attributed condensation hydroxyl groups cassava as well corresponding PLA 340 °C. PLA-containing matrix resulted decrease Tg PLA/TPS blends. increase crystallinity improved water vapor permeability structure. Consequently, incorporation these blends not only reduces cost material, but it also contributes its rapid biodegradation (68%). These results contribute offer new alternatives accelerate process biomaterials.