Evaluates the effects of different plasticizers on thermoplastic zein processing, suggesting improved material properties.
Key Points
The study aims to explore how different plasticizers affect the properties and processability of thermoplastic zein through injection molding and extrusion.
Evaluated three plasticizers: diethylene glycol (DEG), dipropylene glycol (DPG), and diethanolamine (DEA).
Utilized hot extrusion and injection molding to produce thermoplastic zein.
Analyzed structural and thermal properties using FTIR, XRD, DSC, and DMTA techniques.
DEG led to the lowest glass transition temperature (Tg) at 42.0 ºC, highest ductility (74.2% elongation), and maximum impact strength (∼70 kJ/m²).
DPG and DEA resulted in moderate plasticization with higher stiffness and Tg values.
Biodegradation tests showed near-complete disintegration within 4-6 weeks, with 20DPG being the slowest.
Cite This Study
Benavides-Ramos et al. (2026) studied this question.