Abstract
Biodegradable compositions of polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplasticized starch (TPS) were prepared using in situ compatibilization process using a twin screw extruder followed by extrusion blown film process. TPS obtained from maize and cassava starch were blended with PLA to prepare the PLA/TPS blend at variable content ranging from 5 to 30 wt%. In situ compatibilization was accomplished with chemical grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) in the presence of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as free radical initiator. An in depth study on the morphological, mechanical, barrier, optical and antislip properties of blown films were evaluated. FTIR analysis showed the interaction between PLA and TPS phase in presence of GMA. The thermal analysis employing DSC confirmed increased crystallization rate of PLA with the incorporation of TPS. Mechanical properties reported a moderate decrease in tensile modulus and strength compared to virgin PLA films. However, the percentage of elongation of the films containing 30 wt% of both cassava and maize starch increased to the tune of 68.62%; 144.4% and 25.49%; 38.8% respectively in the machine and transverse direction respectively. The films also exhibited improved permeability of oxygen to the tune of 41.7% and 38.1%. Furthermore, a twofold increment in water vapour permeability was observed for both cassava and maize starch films obtained from 30 wt% of TPS loadings.
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