Use of hydroxyethyl cellulose in the preparation of thermoplastic blends with polycaprolactone Verwendung von Hydroxyethylcellulose bei der Herstellung thermoplastischer Mischungen mit Polycaprolacton

The work studies the interactions between polycaprolactone and hydroxyethyl cellulose in the blends with regard to the technology of preparation of the given material (twin-screw extruder), the effect of the compatibilizer ethylene-co-acrylic acid and the effect of the plasticizer (glycerin). The amounts of filler, hydroxyethyl cellulose mixed into the polycaprolactone were 0 wt.–% to 50 wt.–%. Opaque foils were prepared. The aim of the work is to prepare a material with satisfactory physico-mechanical properties for packaging materials using hydroxyethyl cellulose and semi-synthetic polymer from renewable sources. The effect of ethylene-co-acrylic acid compatibilizer and hydroxyethyl cellulose plasticization on morphology, mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation of break, Young's modulus) and thermal properties are studied for the prepared blends. It is important to determine the optimal amount of glycerin for hydroxyethyl cellulose, as lower glycerin content may lead to a reduction in the mechanical properties of the blends.