Obtaining thermoplastic starches for extrusion of ceramic powders

Thermoplastic polymers can be used as organic vehicle (OV) in ceramic parts forming by extrusion. In this context, starch-based thermoplastics arise as a sustainable alternative to polyolefins conventionally used in ceramic slurry formulation. The initial step for the development of a feedstock (extrudable load) is the selection of the polymeric binder system, which is responsible for providing appropriate rheological properties during processing. Accordingly, in this work thermoplastic starches obtained in the presence of citric acid are characterized and evaluated as for the potential use in the extrusion of ceramic powders. The processability of the premixed starches was investigated in a twin-screw extruder and in a mixer torque rheometer. The variation of water and glycerol contents in the composition of the premixed starches significantly influenced the interactions between polymer chains, promoting changes in density and viscosity for most analysed samples. The thermoplastic starches were partly esterified as an effect of the citric acid presence in the system. Among all formulations investigated, the H-34 sample (hydrated and processed with 34% w/w of glycerol content) showed the best paste properties and can be further employed in ceramic powder forming processes.