Preparation and characterization of reinforced starch-based composites with compatibilizer by simple extrusion

Because of the poor performance of starch-based composites, we prepared the starch-based composites with good mechanical properties by a simple two-step melt-blending extrusion. Glycerol and nano-SiO₂ were firstly introduced into starch to prepare the TPS/nano-SiO₂ composite by the first extrusion, and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and the compatibilizers were then incorporated to obtain the improved composites by the second extrusion. The mechanical properties, thermal properties, morphology, and structure of the composites were characterized. The results showed that the strength dramatically increased after the addition of nano-SiO₂ into starch, and the elongation at break was significantly improved by the incorporation of PBAT. The tensile strength was increased distinctly after the addition of the compatibilizers. All the composites exhibited good mechanical properties. The melting transition, the thermal stability, and the crystalline structure did not change with the additives, whereas the glass transition of the starch-rich phase shifted to a lower temperature. The results indicated that the combined compatibilizers had better compatibilization than each one alone.