Plasticized xyloglucan for improved toughness-Thermal and mechanical behaviour

• Tamarind seed xyloglucan is an interesting polysaccharide of high molar mass with excellent thermomechanical properties. Several plasticizers were studied in order to facilitate thermal processing and improve toughness (work to fracture) of xyloglucan film materials: sorbitol, urea, glycerol and polyethylene oxide. Films of different compositions were cast and studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA) and tensile tests. Results are analysed and discussed based on mechanisms and practical considerations. Highly favourable characteristics were found with XG/sorbitol combinations, and the thermomechanical properties motivate further work on this material system, for instance as a matrix in biocomposite materials.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Polymerkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Polymer Chemistry (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Organisk kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Organic Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Glass transition

Mechanical properties

Plasticization

Polymer films

Xyloglucan

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)