Mechanical properties of thermoplastic protein from bloodmeal and polyester blends

Abstract

Blends of bloodmeal-based thermoplastic (NTP) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) were prepared to study the effect of compatibilization on mechanical properties. The Taguchi method was used for experimental design and the results were analysed in terms of signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Between 5 and 10 wt.-% of either poly-2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (PEOX) and poly [(phenyl isocyanate)-co-formaldehyde] (pMDI) were used as compatibilizers in blends of 20–100% NTP. The tensile strength of the blends depended on the type of compatibilizer used while for elongation at break and modulus, NTP content had the largest influence. Compatibilizing efficiency was more pronounced at higher NTP content. The blend's morphology showed a smaller particle size for blends at optimal tensile properties while plastic deformation was observed for samples where elongation at break was optimal.