Constructing stable “bridge” structures with compatibilizer POE‐g‐GMA to improve the compatibility of starch‐based composites

Abstract

With the development of degradation technologies such as chemical‐catalysis and bio‐catalysis, starch‐polyethylene (PE) composites have been revitalized as industrial packaging materials. However, starch and PE suffer from interfacial incompatibility. In this study, poly(octene ethylene) grafted glycidyl methacrylate (POE‐g‐GMA) was added at relatively low amounts (0–7 wt%) to construct robust structures between thermoplastic starch (TPS) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). Tensile strength increased by 36.39% with the addition of 1 wt% POE‐g‐GMA. Meanwhile, a smooth surface was observed by SEM, and a fibrillar cross‐linked structure appeared on the fractural surface of the blend. POE‐g‐GMA formed a stable “bridge” at the interface between TPS and LDPE, which increased the thermal stability of the blend as well. The crystallinity of LDPE increased from 20.5% (without addition) to 32.8% (with 1 wt% addition), whereas the average crystallite size decreased slightly. The optimal POE‐g‐GMA content was found to be 1 wt% based on mechanical and thermal measurements. The results of this study can provide a reference for improving the interfacial compatibility of biopolymers and fossil‐fuel‐based polymers.

Poly(lactic acid)/ poly(ε-caprolactone) blends: the effect of nanocalcium carbonate and glycidyl methacrylate on interfacial characteristics

“…This is attributed to the reactive epoxide group present in GMA, which can react with both PLA and PCL, facilitating the creation of covalent bonds that bridge the two polymer phases. Consequently, this covalent bonding strengthens the interfacial adhesion and promotes efficient stress transfer between the polymers, resulting in improved chain mobility (Kong et al, 2023). Additionally, as the T g of GMA is lower than both PLA and PCL, its incorporation into the blend leads to an overall reduction in the blend's T g .…”

Poly(lactic acid)/ poly(ε-caprolactone) blends: the effect of nanocalcium carbonate and glycidyl methacrylate on miscibility

“…This is attributed to the reactive epoxide group present in GMA, which can react with both PLA and PCL, facilitating the creation of covalent bonds that bridge the two polymer phases. Consequently, this covalent bonding strengthens the interfacial adhesion and promotes efficient stress transfer between the polymers, resulting in improved chain mobility 60 . Additionally, as the Tg of GMA is lower than both PLA and PCL, its incorporation into the blend leads to an overall reduction in the blend's Tg.…”