(Corn Starch and Montmorillonite Nanocomposite)‐Reinforced Polypropylene: Preparation,Properties, and Biodegradability

Blends of polypropylene and thermoplastic starch (TPS) containing different amounts of TPS were prepared with and without modified montmorillonite (C30B) in the presence of ethylene‐(vinyl acetate) copolymer. Mechanical properties, thermal stability, morphology, and biodegradation were investigated. The results of tensile tests showed that the tensile strength and Young's modulus increased but that elongation at break decreased in the presence of C30B. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering patterns and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the prepared nanocomposites were exfoliated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for the investigation of the phase morphology and particle distribution. Thermal gravimetric analysis indicated that the C30B caused an increase in thermal degradation temperature. Biodegradability tests of the specimens were conducted in a fungal culture medium. Biodegradation was assessed by SEM images, monitoring the changes in the FTIR spectra, and the weight loss of specimens after culturing. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:16–23, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers