Study of binary PLA/PBSA and ternary blends PLA/PCL/PBSA for the manufacturing of single dose strips

Single-dose strips, are packaging items designed to contain single-dose solutions for pharmaceutical or cosmetic use, currently manufactured in PP and PE mainly. Considering they are single use products, it is desirable to fmd more sustainable solutions to PP and PE. In this context, the present work aims to develop compostable materials suitable for the injection molding process for the manufacturing of compostable single dose strips. The blends studied in this work were designed to meet the following requirements: i) resistance to UV radiation; ii) flexibility such that the squeezing process for dispensing the product is allowed; iii) good processability in injection molding processes; iv) industrial compostability according to UNI EN13432; v) chemical inertness with respect to the substance contained. To achieve the requirements ternary blends based on PLA, PCL and PBSA were studied. Materials were blended by means of a twin-screw corotating extruder and the compound was processed by injection molding for the manufacturing of compostable single dose strips. The ternary blends are found to be suitable for injection molding of the single dose strips, exhibiting complete filling and adequate flexibility during ejection from the mold. The strips can also boast appreciable mechanical strength and impact resistance. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.