Improvement of UV stability and mechanical properties of biopolyesters through the addition of β-carotene

摘要: Abstract β-carotene, the most abundant carotenoid in nature and a natural antioxidant, has been added at concentration of 2 × 10 −4  g per mL polymer film forming solution to three biopolyester matrices, poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL) polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV). The dispersion stability antioxidant within films was studied using confocal Raman imaging spectroscopy, colorimetry UV/visible spectrophotometry. were characterized terms thermal mechanical properties comparison with control without β-carotene. Addition β-carotene biopolyesters resulted significant increases deformation break lower Young modulus. This is thought act as plasticizer biopolyesters, thus increasing their free volume causing change properties. Moreover, when exposed UV light less affected displaying, general, higher modulus similar ultimate tensile strength while keeping more ductile than pure films. Therefore, can be potentially used additive increase biopolyesters.