Influence of thermoplasticized starch on physical-chemical properties of new biodegradable carriers intended for forest industry

In this work, the influence of different concentrations of thermoplasticized starch on thermal, mechanical, biodegradation and phytotoxic properties of biodegradable blend carrier composed of poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene adipate‑co‑terephtalate) was investigated. The results showed that the addition of poly(butylene adipate‑co‑terephtalate) increased elasticity of PLA materials, whereas the presence of thermoplasticized starch promoted higher biodegradation rate of the investigated materials. Moreover, the prepared materials did not show phytotoxic effect on plant, thus proving potential application in forest industry as a biodegradable carrier for multiplication of plants. © 201