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.