Viscoelastic Properties of Extrusion Cast Sheets of Natural and Synthetic Aliphatic Polyesters

Mrinal Bhattacharya, Professor
Lon Johnson, Assistant Scientist

Funding Source

USDA National Research Initiative

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the viscoelastic properties of natural (starch and protein) and synthetic biodegradable aliphatic copolyester blends.

Need or Impact

Evolution of viscoelastic properties during the processing affects the final characteristics of the sheets. This is particularly true of blended materials, where often, each material creeps or relaxes at different rates. The mechanical properties of composites are greatly dependent on the adhesion of phases. Insufficient interfacial adhesion can lead to reduced ultimate properties while strong interfacial adhesion could account for the reduction in molecular mobility of the composite.

Project Status

Completed.