Enhancement of PLA-based Biopolymer Composite Physical Properties with Addition of Sucrose

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer that has poor barrier properties. Blending PLA with thermoplastic starch (TPS) is an alternative to improve the barrier properties of PLA. The purpose of this study is to improve the barrier properties and mechanical of PLA-based biopolymer composite by blending it with TPS and 5%wt of sucrose. Tensile strength, water vapour transmission rate, morphology, and degradability of biopolymer composite were examined. The morphology of PLA-TPSS bioplastic showing no pores and more homogenous which lead to best WVTR and mechanical result; however, the tensile strength by PLA-TPSS is reduced than pure PLA.