Physical and degradation properties of binary or ternary blends composed of poly (lactic acid), thermoplastic starch and GMA grafted POE

Binary and ternary blends composed of poly (lactic acid) (PLA), thermoplastic starch (TPS) and glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly (ethylene octane) (GPOE) were prepared using Haake Mixer. The mechanical morphology, thermal properties, water absorption, and degradation properties of the blends were also investigated. The elongation at break and impact strength of the ternary blends were greatly increased by the filling of GPOE. Compared to non-GPOE binary blends, the morphology of ternary blends with GPOE indicated that starch granules melted and there was good compatibility between PLA matrix and TPS. The mechanism and schematic diagram of the reactions in PLA, TPS, and GPOE were proposed and proved by testing and observing the morphology. Moreover, the biodegradation and thermal decomposition were studied through compost testing and thermal gravimetric analysis, respectively. Biodegradation results indicated that the blends have the excellent biodegrade ability. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.