PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYPROPYLENE/ PLASTICIZED CORN STARCH BLENDS: EFFECT OF ORGANO-MAGHNITE CLAY AND COMPATIBILIZER ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL, MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

A biobased nanocomposite was prepared from polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic starch (TPS). Different percentages of polypropylene-grafted-maleic anhydride are added to the two phases to improve their compatibility. This system was reinforced with organoclay, modified by alkylammonium. The compatibilizer effect and TPS on morphology and properties of PP/organoclay nanocomposites obtained by melt compounding are studied. A good dispersion of filler into polymer matrix is demonstrated by X-ray diffraction. Exfoliated structure with improved compatibility between PP and TPS are obtained using MA-g-PP compatibilizer. Scanning electron microscopy proved strong interfacial adhesion between the components. 7% wt of MA-g-PP compatibilizer and 30% wt of TPS without compatibilizer induce an increase in modulus. Tensile strength and elongation decreased in all materials. TGA-DTA showed an increase in decomposition temperature of compatibilized materials.