Properties and applications of Mater-Bi starch-based materials

Novamont is generally recognized as a pioneer in the sector of starch-based biodegradable materials. It started its research activity in 1989, and now has four classes of materials, A, Z, V, and Y, sold under the Mater-Bi trademark, containing starch and differing in their synthetic components. This paper revises the main results obtained by Novamont in the field of thermoplastics and complexed starch in the presence of specific synthetic polymers, and aspects, such as processability, physico-chemical and physico-mechanical properties, composting behavior and future market perspectives of Mater-Bi products. Moreover, the paper considers aspects such as in-use performances and biodegradation behavior of Mater-Bi bags for the separate collection of organic and yard waste, the first real industrial product in the sector of biodegradable materials introduced in the market by Novamont since 1992. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.