Applications of biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS) have been restricted due to its poor mechanical
properties, limited processability and high water uptake. In order to improve properties and processability, thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) was compounded with low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The
TPCS/LDPE blend was, then, modified by a natural gelling agent, i.e. carrageenan and natural fibers, i.e.
cotton fibers. All composites were compounded and processed using an internal mixer and an injection
molding machine, respectively. It was found that stress at maximum load and Young’s modulus of the
TPCS/LDPE composites significantly increased by the addition of the carrageenan and/or the cotton fibers.
The highest mechanical properties were obtained from the TPCS/LDPE composites modified by both the
carrageenan and the cotton fibers. Percentage water absorption of all of the TPCS/LDPE composites was
found to be similar. All modified composites were also degraded easier than the non-modified one. Furthermore, all the composites were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray
diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM).