Effect of Starch Nanocrystals on the Properties of Low Density Polyethylene/Thermoplastic Starch Blends

摘要

In this study, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) andThermoplastic Starch (TPS) reinforced with different amounts ofStarch Nanocrystals (SNCs) with and without Dicumyl Peroxide(DCP) were blended in an internal mixer. The XRD resultsshowed that crystallinity decreases with increasing SNC contentwith and without DCP. Tensile test results showed thatelongation at breaking, tensile strength, and elastic modulus arelower than that of neat LDPE, whereas, the elastic modulus forthe LDPE/TPS/SNC5%/DCP is higher than that of LDPE. AFMshowed a decrease in the roughness of the surface after theaddition of SNC and the surface become less rough after DCPaddition.