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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #84525
Title: PROPERTIES OF STARCH POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) FILMS FOR USE AS MULCH

Author
item Lawton Jr, John
item Shogren, Randal
item DOANE, WILLIAM - BRADLEY UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: American Society for Plasticulture Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/21/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Starch-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) based films were prepared and evaluated. Films were made either by casting or by extruding the ingredients through a slit die or film blowing die. Films have tensile strengths from 15-45 MPa and have elongations of 15 - 350% at 50% relative humidity. Tensile properties of the films vary by starch-PVOH ratios, the plasticizer level, and the starch type. Due to the fact that both starch and PVOH are hygroscopic, the films tensile properties change with relative humidity. Tensile properties of the films' also vary with the age of the film. However, the degree of aging depends on the starch type. The water resistant properties of the unmodified starch-PVOH films are poor. Improvements in water resistance can be gained by the type of PVOH used in the films. Greater improvements in water resistance can be gained by laminating the films with a water resistance coating.