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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #58689
Title: USE OF COMPATIBILIZERS IN GRANULAR STARCH COMPOSITES

Author
item WILLETT, JULIOUS
item SHOGREN, RANDAL

Submitted to: Woodfiber Plastics Composites Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/3/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The use of granular starch as a biodegradable filler in plastics has been studied. Poor adhesion between the granule surface and the resin matrix results in unacceptable composite properties. The use of compatibilizers to improve the adhesion can lead to significant property improvement. Compatibilizer effects will be discussed for two systems: low density polyethylene/starch, and PHBV/starch. The addition of ethylene-co-acrylic acid copolymer to LDPE/starch has little effect on the ultimate properties, but increases the composite modulus, as well as torque and pressure during extrusion. Polyethylene oxide improves the ultimate properties of PHBV/starch composites.