pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S02 - Bio-based and Biodegradable Polymers
Poster Presentation
 
 

MECHANICAL, THERMAL AND VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF POLYBUTYLENE SUCCINATE (PBS) AND THERMOPLASTIC PROTEIN (TPP) BLENDS

Mtibe Asanda (1)*

(1) CSIR - Gauteng - SouthAfrica

The aim of this study is to develop biodegradable blends from polybutylene succinate (PBS) and thermoplastic protein (TPP) for medical applications. In the present study, PBS and TPP blends were prepared by twin screw extrusion and injection moulding. The mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties of the resultant biodegradable PBS blends was investigated. The possible interaction between the PBS and the TPP was evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Blends were also characterized for thermal properties using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); for mechanical properties using tensile and impact test; and for viscoelastic properties using rheology and melt flow index (MFI). This study has shown that the addition of TPP in PBS improved the mechanical properties of the blends. However, thermal properties of the blends decreased after incorporation of TPP. Furthermore, the MFI of the blends increased after incorporation of TPP and further increased with increase in loading. The developed PBS/TPP blends offer a real potential application for medical purposes/applications.