Properties of poly(lactic acid) blends with various starches as affected by physical aging

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and starch are both biodegradable and renewable polymers derived from agricultural feedstock. A previous study showed that a small amount (0.5%) of methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) could enhance the mechanical properties of starch and PLA blends by improving the interfacial interaction. In this study, blends of PLA (1/1, w/w) and starch with or without MDI were evaluated for thermal and mechanical properties as well as morphology, as affected by physical aging when stored up to 12 months at 25 degreesC and 50% relative humidity. The blends were prepared by thermally blending PLA with wheat starch, corn starch, and/or high amylose corn starch, with or without MDI. All samples exhibited phenomena of physical aging. The samples with MDI aged more slowly, showing a slower reduction rate of excess enthalpy relaxation, than those without MDI. The mechanical properties decreased slowly as aging proceeded. Microstructure showed a reduced interaction between starch and PLA around the interface with aging. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.