Effect of pine resin derivatives on the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of Mater-Bi type bioplastic

The effect of three additives derived from pine resin, namely, gum rosin (GR) and two pentaerythritol ester of GR, Lurefor (LF) and Unik Tack (UT), in 5, 10, and 15 wt %, on the properties of Mater-Bi, based on plasticized starch, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), obtained by injection molding processes, was studied. The mechanical, microstructural, and thermal properties were evaluated. LF had a cohesive behavior with the components of Mater-Bi, increasing the toughness of the material up to 250% accompanied by an increase of tensile modulus and tensile strength. UT had an intermediate behavior, conferring cohesive and plasticizing effects, allowing an increase of 105% in impact resistance. GR had a more marked plasticizing effect. This allows processing temperatures of about 50 degrees C lower than those used for neat Mater-Bi. In addition, an increase of the elongation at break, toughness, and impact resistance in 370, 480, and 250%, respectively, was achieved. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48236.