Abstract:
The disclosure relates to a starch-polyester graft copolymer, for example formed by the reactive blending of a thermoplastic starch (TpS) and/or a modified thermoplastic starch (MTpS) with a biodegradable polyester. The thermoplastic starch includes starch (e.g., a high-amylose starch) and a plasticizer, and can further include a chemical modifier and an optional initiator. The graft copolymer preferably is completely (or substantially completely) biodegradable, for example based on the biodegradability of each of its components. The graft copolymer can be formed into sheets of material that can be subsequently thermoformed, for example into single-use, disposable articles.