| Abstract: | Abstract Sodium - salt of partially carboxymethylated starch (Na-PCMS) with degree of substitution (DS) 0.21 and 0.58 was synthesized by etherification of starch. These starch ethers and low density polyethylene (LDPE) were mixed with and without poly(vinylacetate) (PVAc) in various proportions using Brabender mixer. FTIR confirmed the etherification reaction of starch and blending. Positive changes in the mechanical properties as a function of blending, and environmental degradation have been observed. Addition of 5 wt% PVAc improves the blend quality. Samples were exposed to direct sunlight for one month and environmental degradation was measured in terms of change in tensile strength and per cent elongation. |
