Strength Analysis Aspects of Psyllium/Thermoplastic Starch Films under Impact Loading Conditions

Abstract

Tensile test under quasi-static loads conditions is usually used to determine the mechanical strength of thermo-plastic starch films. This kind of test does not fully illustrate the load conditions for packaging films, which, under the conditions of use, are succumb to dynamic loads. Thus, the aim of the study was to present the possibilities of using a patented soft tissues measurement testing station to analyze the mechanical strength of thermoplastic starch (TPS) films under impact loading conditions. Two groups of film specimens containing the addition of psyllium husks (TPS/PH) and psyllium flour (TPS/PF) were used for the measurements. The casting method was applied, and glycerol was used as a plasticizer. Microstructure of the specimen surface was analyzed by stereoscopic microscopy. Specimens with the addition of psyllium flour had a more uniform microstructure. The maximum break - ing forces obtained during impact tests for these films were 5 times higher than specimens containing psyllium seed husk. The same behaviour was found with respect to stresses with average values of 48.6 MPa for TPS/PF and 20.2 MPa for TPS/PH. Moreover, research confirms usefulness of patented soft tissues measurement testing station to analyse the mechanical strength of thermoplastic starch films.