Thermoplastic copolyesters biodegradability

In 1995, BASF announced the development of a biodegradable thermoplastic copolyester based on starch feedstock. A plasticizer reportedly is blended on-line with the copolyester to form a material which is antistatic, has good toughness, and good elongation at break. In 1999, BASF listed Ecoflex as the trade name for their biodegradable polyesters. ... 

Keyiuords Thermoplastic copolyester elastomers, polyfether ester)s, polyfester ester)s, morphology, mechanical properties, biodegradation, TPEE blends, TPEE recycling... 

The results obtained in the field of thermoplastic starch in combination with polymers or copolymers of vinyl alcohol with aliphatic polyesters and copolyesters in terms of biodegradation kinetics, mechanical properties and reduced sensitivity to humidity make these materials ready for a real industrial development starting from film and foam applications. The present global market is around 12000 tons/year. Main producers are Novamont with Mater-Bi trade-mark, ENPAC and National Starch. The tensile properties of films made of two Novamont s Mater-Bi grades are reported in Table 3, in comparison to these of low density polyethylene (LDPE). Figs. 6-7 show applications of Mater-Bi starch-based materials now on the market. 

Products are available based on thermoplastic starch in combination with polymers or copolymers of vinyl alcohol and with aliphatic polyesters and copolyesters. Their biodegradation kinetics, mechanical properties and reduced sensitivity to humidity make these materials suitable for industrial development beginning with film and foam applications. 

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