USDA RESEARCH ON STARCH-BASED BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS

Research on starch-based biodegradable plastics began in the 1970's and continues today at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) in Peoria, IL. Technology has been developed for producing extrusion blown films and injection molded articles containing 50% and more of starch. Extrusion processing of compositions containing starch and other natural polymers to provide totally biodegradable plastics is being investigated. Starch grafted with thermoplastic side chains is under commercial development to provide injection molded items with a broad range of compositions and properties. The mechanism of biological degradation and the rate and extent of biodegradation of starch containing plastics in various environments is studied to enhance development and acceptance of biodegradable plastics.