ABSTRACT
Abstract: Starch is one of the most promising polymers obtained from renewable sources that can be successfully used in the biodegradable plastics industry. The main advantage of the thermoplastic starch (TPS) is its biodegradability, and also the fact that it is obtained from renewable raw materials. However, its main drawbacks are hydrophilicity and poor mechanical properties, and therefore it cannot be used in many applications requiring moisture resistance of the material. To improve these properties, TPS is mixed with other polymers that have better mechanical and barrier properties. Appropriate content of TPS in polymer blends allows obtaining different properties of products, depending on the demand and purpose. In this chapter, the methods of preparation of TPS, details of extrusion process as well as method for its analysis (FTIR-Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, DSC-differential scanning calorimetry, TGA-thermogravimetry and DMA dynamic mechanical analysis, rheological and strength tests, SEM-scanning electron microscopy and XRD-X-ray diffraction) are presented. Description of the typical plasticizers (water, polyols, glycols, formamide, urea, acetamide, citric acid, phosphorus compounds, and fats) and additives (llers, bres, nanoadditives, compatibilizers, oils, lubricants, calcium, or magnesium stearates, etc.) in the plastication process, their inuence on the properties of TPS as well as application of polymer-starch blends are also discussed.
