Processing and properties of biodegradable compounds based on aliphatic polyesters

Two aliphatic biodegradable polyesters, Poly(butylene succinate) and Poly(lactic acid), are selected together with two inorganic fillers, talc and TiO2, to obtain biodegradable compounds for replacing polystyrene in the production of disposable plastic cups and plates. The rheological behavior of the pure polymers and the compounds is investigated, the mechanical properties of the compounds are determined in terms of modulus and elongation at break, the heat distortion temperature of the compounds is measured and compared to those of pure PBS and PS. Finally, the biodegradation of the compounds is also investigated. The processability and the final properties, in terms of elastic modulus and heat distortion temperature, make these compounds interesting for the production of disposable plates and cups for hot food and beverages, also considering that the elongation at break is significant. Furthermore, the results of biodegradation tests in composting conditions show that the presence of TiO2 induces a lag time and lower values of biodegradation. (C) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.