This first book on this green, renewable material collates all the information previously scattered in journals and on websites. The contents reach into many important areas, such as production, applications, and fundamental knowledge of biopolymeric materials; the book also includes valuable experimental case studies, which can be directly applied in industry. Thermoplastic starch satisfies EU environmental regulations, which are the most stringent worldwide. This book elucidates the practical applications of this unique, yet inexpensive and abundant, material.

Contents

Biodegradable Polymers and Their Practical Utility
Blends of Natural and Synthetic Polymers
Biodegradability and Compostability of Biopolymers
TPS and Its Nature
The Melting Process in Thermoplastic Starches
Extruders
Extrusion-Cooking of TPS
Influence of Process Conditions on the Physical Properties of TPS
TPS Film-Blowing
Injection-Molding
Influence of Addition of Fiber on the Mechanical Properties of TPS Moldings
Storage and Biodegradability of TPS Moldings
Scaling-Up of Thermoplastic Starch Extrusion