Effect of Maleic-Anhydride Grafting on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Poly(L-lactic acid)/Starch Blends

MA is grafted onto both PLLA and starch in an internal mixer in the presence of DCP in a one-step reactive compatibilization process. The effect of maleation of MA on the physical and mechanical properties and morphology of the blends was assessed. The onset decomposition temperature of the PLLA/starch blends decreased as the starch content increases due to the lower thermal stability of starch and the low effect of the maleation reaction on the thermal stability of the blends. PLLA/starch blends without grafted MA showed higher crystallinity as the starch content increased. Reactive compatibilized blends with less than 20wt% starch had higher storage modulus, indicating that the compatibility between the two phases was improved.