Mechanical Properties of Protein-Based Polymer Blends

This study investigated the compatibilisation of Novatein® Thermoplastic Protein (NTP) blends with other polymers. NTP was blended with two different types of polymers: a petroleum-based polyolefin (low-linear density polyethylene, LLDPE) and a biodegradable synthetic polyester (polybutylene succinate, PBS). It was a relatively straightforward process to produce a compatible blends of LLDPE and PBS with NTP regardless of the obvious difference in chemical structure between these polymers. The goals of the study were to develop an understanding of interactions between NTP and other polymers that influences the mechanical properties and the performance of the blends were evaluated in light of mathematical modeling.