Poly (butylensuccinate co-adipate)-thermoplastic starch nanocomposite blends

Nanocomposites based on blends of thermoplastic corn starch (TPS), plasticized with glycerol, and poly (butylensuccinate co-adipate) (PBAS) were prepared using sodium montmorillonite and organomodified montmorillonite. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the clay dispersion. The effects of PBAS and clay type content on mechanical properties were evaluated. TPS/PBAS/organic modified montmorillonite shows an exfoliated nanocomposite structure and a notable increase of the modulus. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.