The present work reports the preparation of biodegradable blends of cellulose acetate (CA) with two
water soluble polymers; polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and the bio-sourced hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). Like
CA, HEC is advantageously both biodegradable and bio-sourced. For that purpose, plasticization of CA and
PVOH was conducted by melt extrusion using triacetin and glycerol, respectively, while a two-step
method consisting in a premixing step of HEC with plasticizer in presence of water, followed by the
melt processing of the swollen premix was used and led to the successful plasticization of this
biopolymer. Plasticized PVOH-based blends proved to exhibit better processability and properties. The
prepared blends were characterized in terms of morphology and thermo-mechanical properties. The
quality of blend interface was enhanced by reactive compatibilization using maleic anhydride graftedpolylactide
(MAgPLA). An original procedure was conducted using two extruders connected in a Tconfiguration
to prepare various plasticized CA-PVOH blends compositions. This advantageous set up
allowed for in situ plasticization of CA which significantly reduces its thermo-oxidative degradation. The
water-response of these blends was evaluated to settle on their potential as new water-dispersive
biodegradable materials.