In Situ Compatibilization of Thermoplastic Starch and Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-terephtalate) by Reactive Melt Blending in Presence of Maleic Anhydride

摘要

Thermoplastic pea starch (TPPS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephtalate) (PBAT) were melt blended using a Brabender mixer. In a first step, maleic anhydride was used as an esterification agent of starch or grafted to PBAT; in a subsequent operation functionalized TPPS and PBAT were blended to obtain a grafted copolymer. Results showed that the ultimate mechanical properties of the blends were, in both cases, improved by this addition of maleic anhydride, thanks to compatibilization effects.