Thermoplastic starch polymers PVOH

The combination of starch with a soluble polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and/or polyalkylene glycols has been widely considered since 1970 [137]. In recent years the system, thermoplastic starch/PVOH has been mainly studied for producing starch-based loose fillers as a substitute for expanded polystyrene [138-144]. As an example, Altieri and Lacourse developed a technology based on hydroxypropylated high amylose starch containing small amounts of PVOH for improving foam resiliency and density [138-142]. In this case loose fillers were produced directly by a twin screw extruder. 

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