Physicochemical Studies on Interaction Behavior of Potato Starch Filled Low Density Polyethylene Grafted Maleic Anhydride and Low Density Polyethylene Biodegradable Composite Sheets

Abstract

Study presents compatibility behavior of polar group potato starch and non-polar LDPE using 50%, 0.5% maleated LDPE. The aim was to improve intermolecular interaction between two different types of moieties (LDPE and Potato Starch). Samples were prepared by mixing potato starch (upto 30% by weight) with LDPE and LDPE-grafted maleic anhydride in a single step twin screw extruder having vent zone. XRD and DSC results suggested that maleic-anhydride group of LDPE helped the interaction with starch and brought two chemical moieties closer to each other. FTIR results also strongly supported new bond formation between two chemical moieties.