PROPERTIES OF FATTY-ACID ESTERS OF STARCH

This work examines the properties of starch esters for their possible application as environmentally degradable thermoplastics. The theologi cal, thermal, and mechanical properties of a series of fatty-acid este rs of high-amylose starch (as well as the effects of adding plasticize r on some selected properties) were evaluated. The ester group acts li ke an internal plasticizer, with an increase in the size of the fatty- acid chain, resulting in greater internal plasticization. This is refl ected in the theological and thermal. measurements as well as in the m echanical properties. Overall, larger ester groups and the addition of external plasticizer make these starch-based materials more processab le and more ductile. However, comparing their properties and cost to c ommodity thermoplastics leads us to believe that their commercial appl ications are likely to be limited, at least in the near future. (C) 19 95 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.