Thermoplastic starch (TPS) polymers were reviewed in this article. This review was categorized into the following studies: the role of starch as a thermoplastic polymer, transformation and melting mechanisms, plasticization and plasticizers, reactive extrusion (REX) and modifications, retrogradation, biodegradability, filler and blenders, and nano-particle incorporation in thermoplasticstarch. This categorizationallows us to understandthe developments in this field in recent years and shows that the major challenges in the future are reducing sensitivity to moisture and retarding retrogradation of the thermoplastic matrix. Moreover, nano-particles such as clay can be used in TPS matrices to overcome these disadvantages.

Thermoplastic starches: Properties, challenges, and prospects

Processing and properties of extruded starch/polymer foams

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/starch blends were prepared blending with dioctyl maleate (DOM). DOM acted as a compatibilizer at low concentrations (below 5%), and markedly improved tensile strength of the blend. However, DOM functioned as a plasticizer at concentrations over 5%, significantly enhancing elongation. Compatibilization and plasticization took place simultaneously according to the analysis of, for example, mechanical properties and thermal behavior. With DOM as a polymeric plasticizer, thermal loss in the blends was not significant. Water absorption of PLA/starch blends increased with DOM concentration. DOM leaching in an aqueous environment was inhibited. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1697–1704, 2004

Mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/starch blends with dioctyl maleate

Innovative plasticized starch films modified with waterborne polyurethane from renewable resources

Polyethylene/starch blends with enhanced oxygen barrier and mechanical properties: Effect of granule morphology damage by solid-state shear pulverization

W.M Doane

Papers

Effect of moisture content on tensile properties of starch/poly(hydroxyester ether) composite materials ☆