Starch poly ethylene compounds in films with improved barrier characteristics

Projecttitel: Starch poly ethylene compounds in films with improved barrier characteristics
Projectnummer: BPM2-1509
Penvoerder: Wageningen University & Research

Blends out of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly-ethylene (LDPE) are very interesting, because of cost price issues and sustainability aspects.

However, well performing blends based on the combination TPS and PE which are suitable for film blowing applications cannot be found in literature. In this project the focus will be on co-continuous systems. Key questions to be answered are:

  • What are the most important factors to change rheology parameters (both in shear and in extension) of such a system
  • What concepts can be applied to reduce moisture sensitivity of this type of blends.
  • What concepts can be applied to create more adhesion between the different components of a film out of this type of blends.