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Compatibilization of starch–polyester blends using reactive extrusion
Author(s) -
Maliger R.B.,
McGlashan S.A.,
Halley P.J.,
Matthew L.G.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.20479
Subject(s) - compatibilization , materials science , reactive extrusion , maleic anhydride , polyester , starch , dynamic mechanical analysis , extrusion , polymer blend , composite material , ultimate tensile strength , polymer , copolymer , organic chemistry , chemistry
Maleic anhydride (MA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) were used as crosslinking agent and initiator respectively for blending starch and a biodegradable synthetic aliphatic polyester using reactive extrusion. Blends were characterized using dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis (DMTA). Optical micrographs of the blends revealed that in the optimized blend, starch was evenly dispersed in the polymer matrix. Optimized blends exhibited better tensile properties than the uncompatibilized blends. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy supported the proposed structure for the starch–polyester complex. Variation in the compositions of crosslinking agent and initiator had an impact on the properties and color of the blends. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:248–263, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers