Impact of the starch source on the physicochemical properties and biodegradability of different starch‐based films

Concern about environmental issues has motivated research into the development of biodegradable packaging from renewable sources. Natural polymers such as starch constitute a good alternative for diminishing the use of nonbiodegradable and nonrenewable components in the packaging industry. However, depending on the botanical source, films with different properties are formed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the film‐forming capacity of different starch sources (cassava, corn, potato, and wheat) by casting with starch contents from 2 to 6%. Principal component analysis methodology was used to evaluate the correlation between the formulations and their physicochemical and mechanical properties. It was not possible to produce continuous films based on potato starch, probably because of its very low amylose content (10%). The corn‐, cassava‐, and wheat‐starch‐based films were characterized by their thicknesses (0.06–0.22 mm), moisture contents (19–26%), water solubilities (13.7–26.5%), water‐vapor permeabilities (WVPs; 0.19–0.48 g mm h^?1 m^?2 kPa^?1), wettabilities (35–106°), biodegradabilities in soil, and thermal and mechanical properties (tensile strength = 1.9–6.7 MPa, elongation = 41–166%, and Young's modulus = 8–127 MPa). The wheat starch films presented higher WVPs and lower mechanical properties. The cassava starch films presented lower wettabilities and good mechanical properties; this suggested that their use in packaging for products, such as fruits and vegetables, with higher water activities could be feasible. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46564.     

Starch‐graphene oxide bionanocomposites prepared through melt mixing

Bionanocomposites (BNCs) of waxy corn starch, glycerol, and graphene oxide (GO) or graphite oxide (GrO) were prepared by melt mixing. First, the GrO was pre‐exfoliated in a water solution using ultrasound at 1 wt %. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering was used to determinate the interlaminar separation of GrO and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterized the GrO. Next, BNCs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical property measurements. A complete exfoliation of GrO was obtained in the waxy corn matrix. Amorphous X‐ray patterns of the BNCs were observed, indicating that the exfoliated GO avoid the retrogradation of starch. According to scanning electron microscopy results, the BNCs showed an irregular texture and a good dispersion of GO, while thermoplastic starch showed a smooth morphology with a fragile structure. The BNCs exhibited higher thermal stability than thermoplastic starch. The tensile strength and the Young's modulus increased by 140% and 230% at a GO loading levels of 0.5% due to good interfacial interactions of GO and the waxy corn starch matrix. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46037.     

D‐isosorbide and 1,3‐propanediol as plasticizers for starch‐based films: Characterization and aging study

In the present work, D‐isosorbide and 1,3‐propanediol are proposed as alternative plasticizers obtained from renewable resources. Plasticized starch films were prepared by solvent casting method. The influence of using different “green” plasticizers in the final properties of starch‐based films was analyzed. Besides, the characterization of the films was also performed after storage time in order to evaluate the effect of the plasticizer on aging. UV‐spectrophotometry results showed better optical properties for both glycerol and D‐isosorbide films with higher transparency. The thermal and mechanical properties resulted influenced by the nature of the plasticizer. It was demonstrated that water vapor permeability was governed by the starch‐water interactions, whereas the oxygen permeability depended on the plasticizer's nature. The storage time affected the surface, mechanical, and thermal properties of the plasticized starch films. Atomic force microscopy results concluded that the topography of the films changed due to aging. The use of D‐isosorbide as plasticizer reduced the evolution of the mentioned properties and enhanced the reliability of the material. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44793.     

Orange peel‐derived pectin jelly and corn starch‐based biocomposite film with layered silicates

Orange peel‐derived pectin jelly/corn starch‐based biocomposite films with and without layered silicates (LSs) were prepared using melt extrusion followed by film die casting. To enhance interfacial compatibility, corn starch and LSs were chemically modified. Regardless of chemical modification or LS weight content, different pectin jelly‐to‐starch weight ratios (63/37, 60/40, 57/43, and 54/46) were considered to formulate the ingredients of biocomposite films in light of Taguchi‐based predictions. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanned electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were systematically used to characterize corn starch, LSs, and biocomposite films. Among all the films considered, pectin jelly/modified (15%) starch‐based biocomposite film (54/46 w/w) containing 0.25 wt % of pristine LSs was found to be the most promising in terms of texture structure and mechanical integrity. Furthermore, creep recovery, hydrophobicity, and water vapor and oxygen gas transmission rates of the most promising biocomposite film were experimentally determined. Based on the findings obtained, the overall performance of the biocomposite film was evaluated and weighed against the overall performance of a low‐density polyethylene film. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40654.     

Preparation and characterization of a novel gelatin–poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel film loaded with Zataria multiflora essential oil for antibacterial–antioxidant wound‐dressing applications

This study was performed to evaluate the properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), gelatin, and PVA–gelatin dispersions and films enriched with Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZO). The results reveal that the ζ potential, particle size, and viscosity values and the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the dispersions changed significantly with the addition of ZO to the polymer matrix. Changes in the properties of the dispersions suggested the presence of interactions between PVA or gelatin and ZO. Such interactions could affect the mechanical and water‐barrier properties of the films. ZO induced remarkable decreases in the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and swelling and increases in the elongation at break, solubility, and water‐vapor permeability of the films. Scanning electron microscopy analyses proved the impact of ZO on the film morphology, which affected the film properties, including the mechanical and water‐barrier properties. The addition of ZO to the polymer led to a coarse film microstructure because of the hydrophobic ZO aggregates, which produced discontinuities in the film matrix. ZO considerably increased the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the dispersions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most resistant bacteria. The improved antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the PVA–ZO and gelatin–ZO indicated that such products could effectively be used as wound dressings. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45351.     

One‐step synthesis of corn starch urea based acrylate superabsorbents

A one‐step synthesis procedure for starch‐based acrylate superabsorbent polymers was proposed. The reaction conditions that may affect the water absorption capacity were discussed. A transparent gel‐like polymer containing urea (USAP) was successfully obtained by dissolving starch in a NaOH solution without further gelatinizing processing and using AA directly without prior neutralization. Urea was used as the nitrogen source and pore‐forming agent to improve the performance of the USAP. The optimum reaction conditions of the swelling ratio were also studied. A corn starch USAP was synthesized under the optimum conditions, and the water absorbency was 2704 ± 22, 561 ± 39, 100 ± 5, and 96 ± 4 g/g, respectively, in distilled water, running water, physiological saline, and artificial urine. Five kinds of starch‐based USAPs were also successfully prepared under the same conditions with excellent water absorption capacities, revealing that the one‐step method was a more convenient method for a potential industrial application pathway. The polymers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicated that the PAA chains were successfully grafted onto the St backbone. However, the St molecular structure was not completely destroyed during the graft polymerization. The thermal analysis and nitrogen content results proved that urea was also involved in the graft copolymerization. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45175.     

Preparation and characterization of amphiphilic starch nanocrystals

In this article, amphiphilic starch nanocrystals were synthesized by graft copolymerization of starch nanocrystals with styrene in aqueous emulsion system. The starch nanocrystals of size around 50 nm were used, which were prepared by acid hydrolysis of corn starch. The structure of starch‐g‐polystyrene nanocrystals was characterized by Fourier transform infrared and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR). The crystalline structure as well as its particle morphology was studied by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results indicated that the amphiphilic starch nanocrystals obtained exhibit the size around 80–100 nm. Its crystalline structure is basically not changed after grafting polystyrene suggested that the polystyrene was essentially grafted on the surface of starch nanocrystals. Wettability experiments indicated that the prepared starch‐g‐polystyrene nanocrystals can be uniformly dispersed both in water phase and oil phase revealing excellent amphiphilicity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Research on starch‐g‐polyvinyl acetate and epoxy resin‐modified corn starch adhesive

A new corn starch adhesive modified by starch‐g‐polyvinyl acetate (starch‐g‐PVAc) and epoxy resin is described in this study. Starch‐g‐PVAc is used as high cohesive energy component to improve the dry shear strength of the starch adhesive. Although the epoxy resin, which can easily crosslink with the oxidized starch, is used as water‐resistant component to improve the wet shear strength. Because there is no chemical reaction happening between polyvinyl acetate and epoxy resin, both the dry shear strength and the wet shear strength of the corn starch adhesive are notably increased. Considering all the related factors, the optimum of the modification is achieved when the dosage of starch‐g‐PVAc and epoxy resin is 70% of the oxidized starch latex with m(Ep): m(starch‐g‐PVAc) = 1:2. That is, the epoxy resin is 23% in mass fraction and starch‐g‐PVAc 47% in mass fraction. The dry shear strength is 4.50 MPa, and the wet shear strength is 2.51 MPa. The modified corn starch has a broad prospect in the application of plywood industry. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improved mechanical and barrier properties of starch film with reduced graphene oxide modified by SDBS

Starch is regarded as one of the most promising biopolymers to replace the fossil resources. However, due to the poor mechanical properties, high sensitivity to humidity, and low barrier property, the development of starch‐based materials has been limited. In this study, they improved the mechanical and barrier properties of starch film with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) modified by sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). The hydrophilia of modified RGO (r‐RGO) was improved and result in a good dispersion in oxidized starch (OS) matrix. The tensile strength of the r‐RGO‐4/OS film increased to 58.5 MPa which was more than three times of the OS film (17.2 MPa). Besides, both the water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of r‐RGO/OS film were improved greatly compared with OS and GO/OS films. Moreover, the r‐RGO/OS film could protect against UV light effectively due to its lightproof performance. In conclusion, the r‐RGO/OS composite film has great potential applications in packaging industry. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44910.     

Properties of compatibilized polylactide blend films with gelatinized corn and tapioca starches

Blend films containing two types of starch, various amounts of methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), and polylactide were prepared. The effects of MDI level and starch type on the tensile, thermal, and morphological properties of these films were investigated. The MDI amount was varied from 0 to 10 wt % on the basis of gelatinized starch (GS) content, whereas two types of starch (corn and tapioca) were added as fillers. In this study, the blend films were hot‐mixed at 180°C by an internal batch mixer and then compression‐molded to form test specimens. The results show that the addition of MDI as a compatibilizer led to an increase in the tensile properties compared with the uncompatibilized films. Furthermore, the thermal properties indicated some improving interfacial adhesion between the two phases, as evidenced by the morphological results. These behaviors were observed in the blends with both gelatinized tapioca starch and gelatinized corn starch. The different types of starch had no effect on the glass‐transition and melting‐temperature shifts, including water absorption of the blend films. On the other hand, the mechanical properties of the blends with gelatinized corn starch were higher than those of the others. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Effect of starch addition on compression‐molded poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/starch blends

Because of their biocompatibility and total biodegradability, poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and starch have attracted attention as promising raw materials for manufacture of single‐use plastic items and biomaterials. PHB/maize starch blends with starch contents in the range of 0–50 wt % were processed in an internal mixer, and their compression‐molded films were characterized by tensile tests, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, wettability measurements, and scanning electron microscopy. Water and glycerol were used as plasticizers. The results indicated that the thermal degradation behavior of the blends were similar to that of pure PHB films. All the blends showed heterogeneous morphology, wherein starch granules were dispersed in continuous PHB‐rich matrix. Despite the decrease in elongation at break and tensile strength, starch incorporation of up to 30 wt % into PHB matrix resulted in materials as hard as pure PHB films, but exhibiting less crystallinity and more hydrophilic character, which might lead to a higher biodegradation rate. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4338–4347, 2006     

Influence of a compatibilizer on the properties of polyethylene–octene elastomer/starch blends

The effect of a compatibilizer on the properties of corn starch‐reinforced metallocene polyethylene–octene elastomer (POE) blends was studied. The compatibility between POE and starch was improved markedly with an acrylic acid‐grafted POE (POE‐g‐AA) copolymer as a compatibilizer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the blends produced. The size of the starch phase increased with an increasing content of starch for noncompatibilized and compatibilized blends. The POE/starch blends compatibilized with the POE‐g‐AA copolymer lowered the size of the starch phase and had a fine dispersion and homogeneity of starch in the POE matrix. This better dispersion was due to the formation of branched and crosslinked macromolecules because the POE‐g‐AA copolymer had anhydride groups to react with the hydroxyls. This was reflected in the mechanical properties of the blends, especially the tensile strength at break. In a comparison with pure POE, the decrease in the tensile strength was slight for compatibilized blends containing up to 40 wt % starch. The POE‐g‐AA copolymer was an effective compatibilizer because only a small amount was required to improve the mechanical properties of POE/starch blends. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1792–1798, 2002     

壳聚糖对玉米淀粉可食膜性能的影响

以玉米淀粉为原料，结合壳聚糖在增塑剂甘油的作用下通过溶液浇铸法制备了玉米淀粉/壳聚糖复合可食薄膜，采用红外光谱和扫描电子显微镜对薄膜结构和微观形貌进行了表征，研究了壳聚糖的含量对薄膜力学性能、水蒸气透过性、阻油性及抗菌性能的影响。结果表明，适量的壳聚糖可以较明显地改善薄膜的力学性能，提高其隔水和阻油性能；壳聚糖与淀粉质量比为1/3时制得的薄膜结构均匀，拉伸强度为21.54 MPa，是淀粉膜的2.52倍，水蒸气透过率为4.52×10^-5 g/（mm·d），较淀粉膜降低了49.3 %，薄膜能抑制大肠杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌的生长，对二者的抑菌率分别为43.55 %和32.89 %。     

Fabrication and characteristics of graphene oxide/nanocellulose fiber/poly(vinyl alcohol) film

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), PVA/nanocellulose fiber (CNF), and PVA/CNF/graphene oxide (GO) films were prepared simply by casting stable aqueous mixed solutions. FTIR investigation indicated that hydrogen bonding existed between the interface of GO and PVA‐CNF. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that GO was uniformly dispersed in PVA‐CNF matrix. Introducing CNF into PVA caused a significant improvement in tensile strength, and further incorporating GO into PVA/CNF matrix led to a further increase. The tensile strength of the neat PVA film, PVA/CNF composite, and PVA/CNF/GO film (0.6 wt % GO) was 43, 69, and 80 MPa, respectively. Moreover, when incorporating 8 wt % CNF into PVA matrix, O₂ permeability and water absorption decreased from 13.36 to 11.66 cm³/m²/day and from 164.2% to 98.8%, respectively. Further adding 0.6 wt % GO into PVA/CNF matrix resulted in a further decrease of permeability and water absorption to 3.19 cm³/m²/day and 91.2%, respectively. Furthermore, for all composite samples, the transmittance of visible light was higher than 67% at 800 nm. CNF and GO‐reinforced PVA with high mechanical and barrier properties are potential candidates for packaging industry. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45345.     

Hydrolysis of part of cassava starch into nanocrystals leads to increased reinforcement of nanocomposite films

This article reports on using cassava starch nanocrystals (CSN) to strengthen nanocomposite films from the same matrix. CSN were obtained by acid hydrolysis. Nanocomposite (starch:glycerol:CSN/4.0:2.1:1–10 wt %) were processed by casting and the films were characterized. The CSN (30% yield) presented minimally clustered globular forms, 45 to 178 nm in diameter, with a crystalline index of 46%. Water‐vapor transmission rate, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of the films were influenced by the linear effect of CSN concentration (R ² = ?0.92, 0.91, 0.99, respectively), while the other parameters resulted in quadratic relations |0.69–0.96|. The film with 10% CSN presented a 43% reduction in water vapor permeability, associated with increases of 200% in traction resistance, and 616% in elasticity modulus, compared with the control. The hydrolysis of part of the cassava starch into nanocrystals resulted in a reduction in permeability and nano reinforcement of the films due to good compatibility and interaction between both, without influencing biodegradability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45311.     

Effect of MIL‐53 (Al) MOF particles on the chain mobility and crystallization of poly(L‐lactic acid)

Polymer‐filler interactions significantly influence morphology, functionality, and various desirable properties of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). In this study, chain mobility and crystallization of poly(l ‐lactic acid) (PLLA) MMM films prepared by solvent casting PLLA with 1, 5, 10, and 20% wt/wt of MIL‐53(Al) metal organic framework (MOF) were evaluated. The fabricated MMMs were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry studies indicated that the addition of MOF particles in the PLLA matrix reduces the polymeric chain mobility, which affects the crystallization process. The percent crystallinity of neat PLLA was found to decrease from 4% in neat PLLA to completely amorphous structures in PLLA‐10% and PLLA‐20% MMMs, as observed in the second heating cycle. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data supports these observations. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed that PLLA‐MOF films are thermally less stable than neat PLLA suggesting that MOF particles act as a depolymerization catalyst for PLLA. Partial agglomeration of MOF particles was observed in the samples using scanning electron microscopy studies. This study indicates strong PLLA‐MIL‐53(Al) MOF interactions. In addition, this study also provides insight into the effect of MOF particles on the segmental mobility and morphology of PLLA‐MIL‐53 (Al) composite films. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45690.     

Effects of graphene on the behavior of chitosan and starch nanocomposite films

The objective of this study was to prepare chitosan and starch composite films by the addition of 0–3 wt% graphene nanosheets. The film's tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM), elongation at break (E), moisture uptake (Mu), and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were investigated. The surface morphology of the composite films was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Regardless of biopolymer type, both the TS and TM of the composite films first increased and then decreased with graphene loading. Composite film made with native (unmodified) starch showed lower TS and TM than those with chitosan. Composite films exhibit lower E values than pure chitosan and starch; this is attributed to the increase in the hardness of the films. SEM micrographs indicated that, the surface roughness and phase separation increased with increasing graphene content. This is due to the aggregation of graphene nanosheets, leading to the reduced compatibility of biopolymers. The addition of graphene considerably decreased WVTR and Mu of the composite films. These results indicated that graphene is a promising reinforcing agent for biopolymer composite films. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2258–2263, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Usability of oxidized corn starch–gelatin blends for suppression and prevention of dust

Degraded gelatin (Gel) and oxidized corn starch (OCS) as renewable and abundant recyclable and biodegradable materials can be applied to dust mitigation, which has been investigated in this research. Blends of oxidized corn starch and gelatin (OCS‐Gel) were prepared by introducing the OCS into the Gel. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose was used as a thickener and dispersant in the blends. The OCS‐Gel blends were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed that the blends have a uniform porous structure and can form stable Schiff's base structures. The TGA and DTGA thermograms indicated high thermal stability up to 325 °C. Moreover, the blend had good stability and compatibility by mixing with an electrolyte solution, and the biodegradability and water‐sorption measurements also revealed that the OCS‐Gel had excellent hygroscopicity and degradability. The results of contact angle measurements between OCS‐Gel solutions and dust showed that the blends have a satisfactory effect on dust wetting, and the results of light‐transmittance tests revealed that the blends had a good effect on dust‐removal ability. In addition, the dust particles can be evenly adsorbed on the surface of OCS‐Gel when they were evenly dispersed on the surface of the OCS‐Gel solution and can then form a film. The simulation experiment for flying dust in an enclosed area indoors indicated that the dust‐suppression degree for particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM_2.5) and less than 10 micrometers (PM₁₀) in size can reach 68.2% and 78.7%, respectively. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44437.     

Development and characterization of chitosan bionanocomposites containing oxidized cellulose nanocrystals

In this research, cellulose nanocrystals (CNs) were extracted from corn cobs by 2,2,6,6,‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl radical‐mediated oxidation combined with ultrasonic treatment for the first time. These CNs were then used as a mechanical reinforcement agent and barrier in chitosan‐based bionanocomposite films. Birefringence analyses under crossed polarizers indicated the presence of isolated nanocrystals in suspension, which was later confirmed by TEM analysis. The crystallinity index obtained from X‐ray diffraction was 92.4%. The incorporation of these nanoparticles into a filmogenic matrix of chitosan made it possible to obtain bionanocomposite films with improved properties. The water‐vapor permeability was reduced by 70%, whereas the tensile strength and Young's modulus increased by up to 136 and 224% respectively. The developed films were applied as interleaving of sliced cheese, and the efficiency was assessed by investigation of adhesion between the surfaces and by comparing its properties with two commercial interleaving products (polyethylene (PE), and Greasepel paper (GP)). Concluding, the developed films showed a substantial potential to be exploited as an interleaving film, owing to its excellent mechanical properties, permeability, hydrophobicity, and low surface adhesion compared to pure chitosan, PE, and GP films. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43033.     

Preparation and characterization of biodegradable polymer blends from poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/poly(vinyl acetate)‐modified corn starch

Biodegradable polymer blends prepared by blending poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and corn starch do not form intact films due to their incompatibility and brittle behavior. For improving their compatibility and flexibility, poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) was grafted from the corn starch to prepare the PVAc‐modified corn starch (CSV). The resulting CSV consisted of 47.2 wt% starch‐g‐PVAc copolymer and 52.8 wt% PVAc homopolymer and its structure was verified by FT‐IR analysis. In comparison with 35°C of the neat PVAc, the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the grafted PVAc chains on starch‐g‐PVAc was higher at 44°C because of the hindered molecular mobility imposed from starch on the grafted PVAc. After blending PHB with the CSV, structure and thermal properties of the blends were investigated. Only a single T_g was found for all the PHB/CSV blends and increased with increasing the CSV content. The T_g‐composition dependence of the PHB/CSV blends was well‐fitted with the Gordon‐Taylor equation, indicating that the CSV was compatible with the PHB. In addition, the presence of the CSV could raise the thermal stability of the PHB component. It was also found that the presence of the PHB and PVAc components would not hinder the enzymatic degradation of the corn starch by α‐amylase. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1321–1329, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers