Effect of beeswax on the physical and mechanical properties of solution cast poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate)/thermoplastic starch/beeswax films

Biodegradable films of poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/thermoplastic starch (TPS)/beeswax have been prepared by solution casting method. Beeswax has been used as a hydrophobic content to improve the water barrier properties of the films. The prepared films have been characterized for tensile properties, morphology, water absorption, and water vapor permeability. Tensile strength of the films initially increases with the addition of beeswax and then decreases with increase in beeswax content. Tensile strength of film with 0.5 wt% of beeswax is about 213% greater than the film without beeswax. Water absorption percentage of films decreases gradually from 18.7% in film without beeswax to 0% with an increase in amount of beeswax, i.e., 0.5wt%, 1wt% and 2wt% due to the hydrophobicity of beeswax. Water vapor permeability of these films reduces upon increasing the amount of beeswax.