Abstract

AbstractCommercially available biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, i.e., high molecular weight poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and polylactide (PLA), were melt blended with a well‐known natural and biodegradable polysaccharide: starch either as corn starch granules or as thermoplastic corn starch after plasticization with glycerol. Conventional melt blending yielded compositions with poor mechanical performances as a result of lack of interfacial adhesion between the rather hydrophobic polyester matrix and the highly hydrophilic and moisture sensitive starch phase. Interface compatibilization was achieved via two different strategies depending on the nature of the polyester chains. In case of PLA/starch compositions, PLA chains were grafted with maleic anhydride through a free radical reaction conducted by reactive extrusion. The maleic anhydride‐grafted PLA chains (MAG‐PLA) allowed for reinforcing the interfacial adhesion with granular starch as attested by TEM of cryofracture surface. As far as PCL/starch blends were concerned, the compatibilization was achieved via the interfacial localization of amphiphilic graft copolymers formed by grafting of PCL chains onto a polysaccharide backbone such as dextran. The PCL‐grafted polysaccharide copolymers were synthesized by controlled ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone proceeding via a coordination‐insertion mechanism. These compatibilized PCL/starch compositions displayed much improved mechanical properties as determined by tensile testing as well as a much more rapid biodegradation as measured by composting testing.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.