Environmentally Compatible Foamed Articles Based on Potato Starch, Corn Fiber, and Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)

Abstract

Potato starch foam trays based on blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) and corn fibers (CFs), co-product of the corn-wheat wet-milling process, are prepared by baking the blended mixtures in a preheated mold. Materials are evaluated for processing parameters, foam strength, flexibility, and water resistance as a function of fibers content. Addition of CF in formulations improved not only moisture resistance of foam, but has a potential to lower the overall cost of the foamed materials substantially. Interestingly, addition of up to 45% fiber in formulations was possible without compromising the foaming process. Degradability is evaluated both in compost than simulating a disposal in the environment (soil burying and soil surface). Trays are biodegraded within 30—60 days in compost and soil. Particularly, trays containing starch and fiber degraded at much faster rates than trays prepared using starch without natural fillers.