Nano clay reinforced biodegradable plastics of PCL starch blends

Abstract

Abstract One of the conventional methods to develop biodegradable plastics at a reasonable cost is manufacturing the blend of expensive polycaprolactone (PCL) and lower‐priced starch. However, past studies have shown that the amount of starch blended with plastics is relatively small and the dynamic properties are not sufficiently improved. This study focuses on the improvement of physical properties of starch, including thermal plasticity, compatibility with PCL and dynamic properties. Starch was blended with glycerine and water to achieve thermal plasticity and improve compatibility with PCL. Addition of maleic anhydride to PCL improved compatibility, which resulted in improved dynamic properties. Addition of clay results in dispersed thermo plastic starch, which improves compatibility with PCL. In addition, it was clarified that addition of clay accelerates the positive effect of electron irradiation on the blend. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.