study reactive blending of polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic
starch (TPS). Two types of TPS, one with reactive agents and one without, were prepared by mixing 30wt%
of starch with glycerol in twin screw extruder. The as-prepared TPS was blended with PLA together with
reactive agents in twin screw extruder. The blend ratios of PLA:TPS were 70:30 and 50:50. The samples
were characterized by tensile testing, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and differential scanning
calorimeter (DSC).
For all blends ratios, the tensile strengths of PLA/TPS reactive blends were higher than
the physical blend of PLA/TPS. When compared the same ratios of the blend (50:50), the system consisting
of PLA, TPS prepared without reactive agents, maleic anhydride and peroxide exhibited the highest %strain.
The differential thermal analysis indicated that the crystallization temperature of the reactive blend of
PLA/TPS shifted to a lower temperature compared to the physical blend of PLA/TPS. This suggested that
the compatibility between TPS and PLA was improved for the reactive blend system. Most of PLA/TPS
reactive blends showed the better water resistance compared to the physical blend of PLA/TPS.