Low‐density polyethylene/plasticized tapioca starch blends with the low‐density polyethylene functionalized with maleate ester: Mechanical and thermal properties

In this study, the mechanical and thermal properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/thermoplastic tapioca starch blends were determined with LDPE‐g‐dibutyl maleate as the compatibilizer. Mechanical testing for the evaluation of the impact strength and tensile properties was carried our as per standard ASTM methods. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were also used to assess the thermal degradation of the blends. Scanning electron micrographs were used to analyze fracture and blend morphologies. The results show significant improvement in the mechanical properties due to the addition of the compatibilizer, which effectively linked the two immiscible blend components. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 1109–1120, 2006