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Starch/polyethylene nanocomposites: Mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability characteristics
Author(s) -
Manjunath L.,
Sailaja R.R.N.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.23307
Subject(s) - low density polyethylene , materials science , composite material , biodegradation , absorption of water , ultimate tensile strength , polyethylene , flexural strength , starch , nanocomposite , epoxy , organic chemistry , chemistry
Tapioca starch has been crosslinked and blended with 10% low density polyethylene (LDPE) with varying quantities of silane treated nanoclay using an epoxy functionalized LDPE as compatibilizer. The mechanical, thermal, water absorption, and biodegradability characteristics were investigated. The mechanical properties were considerably improved by crosslinking as compared to uncrosslinked composites. The flexural properties increased by more than 50% while tensile strength increased by one and half times. Biodegradability was initially inhibited but became rapid after the initial lag period. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1384–1395, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers