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Published on: August 28, 2015
Mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/starch composites compatibilized by maleic anhydride
1Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA.
Abstract:
Blending poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with wheat starch compatibized by maleic anhydride (MA) was performed with a lab-scale co-extruder. An initiator, 2,5-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-2,5 dimethylhexane (L101), was used to improve compatability among PLA, starch and MA. Interfacial adhesion between PLA and starch was significantly improved. Mechanical properties increased markedly compared to the virgin composites of PLA/starch. The PLA/starch composites at a constant ratio of 55/45 compatibilized by 1% MA and initiated by 10% L101 (MA basis) resulted in the highest tensile strength and elongation.
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