University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Luzia Baumgartner
(2018):
Entwicklung biologisch abbaubarer Schaumwerkstoffe.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Holztechnologie und Nachwachsende Rohstoffe,
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 68.
UB BOKU
obvsg
- Abstract:
- Foam materials have excellent mechanical and physical properties due to their artificially manufactured cellular structures. In the packaging industry foams are of high significance. Expanded Polystyrol (EPS) is manufactured on a fossil fuel basis, which is used widely as short-lived disposable packing, usually disposed immediately after use. For this reason, the development of an environmentally-friendly, and resource-efficient alternative seems to be ecologically highly desirable. This thesis explores “green” alternative to EPS used in hard foam packaging. Two experimental series with the highest possible amount of renewable materials and biodegradability possible were used for compounding and foaming. Polylactic acid (PLA) was used as the main ingredient of the bioplastic-based recipes, while starch was used in a number of starch-based recipes, along with other polymers and additives to achieve certain properties, including high strength properties. Polymers were compounded prior to mixing with a chemical blowing agent (for the bioplastic-based recipes), and water (for the starch-based recipes), and then foamed in an extrusion process. The properties of the produced foams were defined by strand and bulk density, and by strand and surface structure analyzes. Recipes with a potential of reproducibility were prepared in a larger amount and expanded granules, and tested for expansion capacity in an industrial forming machine of EPS, at 110°C and 1,4 bar vapor pressure. Bioplastic-based and starch-based foams achieved acceptable densities after expansion, at stable cell structures. It is conceivable that with further adjustments to the recipes or by optimizing the forming machine, marketable “green” foam materials can be produced to substitute EPS.
- Beurteilende(r): Wimmer Rupert
- 1.Mitwirkender: Hintenberger Josef
- 2.Mitwirkender: Sykacek Eva