Method for Forming a Thermoplastic Composition that Contains a Renewable Biopolymer

摘要

A method for forming a thermoplastic composition that contains a combination of a renewable biopolymer with a polyolefin is provided. The biopolymer and polyolefin are supplied to the extruder at a feed section. The plasticizer is directly injected into the extruder in the form of a liquid so that it forms a thermoplastic biopolymer in situ within the extruder and then a homogeneous blend. The in situ addition of the plasticizer is facilitated by the use of a compatibilizer that has a polar component with an affinity for the biopolymer and a non-polar component with an affinity for the polyolefin.