The research group in Materials technology and sustainability (MATS) of the Universitat de València begins 2025 with excellent news: a new scientific publication in the journal Applied Sciences, focused on the development of biodegradable materials for packaging applications.

The article, titles “Compatibilization Strategies for TPS-Based Blends with PBAT and PBSA for Sustainable Film Applications”, is led by our researcher Cristina Martín-Poyo, who is doing her industrial doctoral programme at BZERO, in collaboration with J.D. Badia and J.P. Cerisuelo, and addresses the design of new compostable films based on thermoplastic starch (TPS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA).

Objective of the research: to improve the mechanical and functional properties of these polymer mixes through the usage of compatibilising agents such as Vinnex® and Joncryl®, two key additives to increase the interaction between stages and the cohesion of the final material.

Results: the developed films present a greater resistance, elasticity and stability, which turns them into promising candidates to substitute traditional one-use only plastics, with the added benefit of their compostability.

This research lies within the sustainability and circular economy objective of the MATS group, and has been developed in collaboration with the BZERO company, strengthening the commitment with knowledge transfer and applied innovation

• Link to article (mdpi)