Maleic Anhydride as a Compatibilizer and Plasticizer in TPS/PLA Blends

Abstract

In recent decades, starch has been studied as a raw material due to low production costs. The limitations associated with starch being highly permeable to water vapor and its mechanical properties being dependent on the relative humidity have been investigated. The proprieties of thermoplastic starch/poly(lactic acid) (TPS/PLA) blends have been studied by researchers, as well as the incorporation of compatibilizers to improve the interfacial interaction between the blend components. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of maleic anhydride (MA) as a compatibilizer and a plasticizer. The blends were prepared in a torque rheometer through different mixture processes. Blends prepared with grafted MA showed interfacial adhesion and small domains of PLA in the TPS matrix, due to the use of MA as a compatibilizer. The presence of free MA in the TPS/PLA blends affected the mechanical and thermal properties, suggesting a plasticizer effect. ]]>

Poly(lactic acid)/coplasticized thermoplastic starch blend: Effect of plasticizer migration on rheological and mechanical properties

“…The reason for this phenomenon could be the high viscosity difference of both phases, which will be discussed later. In addition, the weak interface of TPS/PLA blend at 20 wt% of PLA could have an influence on the shape and size of dispersed phase, which can be resolved by further interfacial modification as examined by Shin et al and Clasen et al Also, in the work of Martin and Averous, the similar morphology had been observed for 25 wt% of PLA in TPS matrix . The morphology of 40PLA, 60PLA, and 80PLA samples at the magnification of 500× are shown in Figure B, C, and D, respectively.…”

Plasticizer Enhancement on the Miscibility and Thermomechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid-Chitin-Starch Composites

“…Good miscibility and degradation were achieved using various alcohols but with reduced mechanical properties due to reaction of the plasticizer with the composite. Also, Clasen et al [19] used maleic anhydride as a plasticizer. An improvement was noticed in the miscibility of the resulting composite, but the mechanical properties were affected.…”

Analysis and Evaluation of Cassava Starch-Based Biodegradable Trays as an Alternative Packaging to Fresh Strawberry (<i>Fragaria ananassa</i> cv San Andreas)

“…The moisture loss of the strawberry samples, as well as the increase of moisture in the trays can be related to the water vapor permeability of each package. According to Clasen et al [6], polymers derived from natural sources have high permeability to water vapor compared to the polymers of petrochemical origin. Schmidt and Laurindo [15], in a study to develop packaging from renewable sources based in cassava starch and cellulosic fibers, found that the hygroscopic property of starch-based packaging can be improved by sealing with PVC films.…”

“…Among the vegetable raw materials used in the production of packaging, starch has received special attention for being an abundant resource, derived from renewable sources, low cost material, it has the potential of complete degradation after use, and the property to form films and foams [3,6,7].…”