Synthesis and Characterization of Chemically-Modified Cassava Starch Grafted with Poly(2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate) for Blending with Poly(Lactic Acid)

Abstract

Native cassava starch (CS) is chemically modified by grafting with 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) monomer to make it more hydrophobic for improved blending with poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Grafting is carried out using CS:EHA weight ratios of 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 in a methanol‐water solvent mixture at 45 °C for 48 h. L‐Ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide are used as the redox initiating system. Following purification, the poly(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate)‐grafted starch, starch‐g‐PEHA, is obtained either as a finely divided powder or as a slightly tacky solid with % grafting values in the range of 13–26% by weight. The main objective of this chemical modification is to improve the interfacial adhesion between the starch particles and the PLA matrix through the hydrophobic PLA‐PEHA interactions. PLA/starch‐g‐PEHA blends are prepared in the form of solution‐cast films with weight ratios ranging from 100/0 to 60/40. Tensile testing of the films shows a marked increase in extensibility and toughness up to a loading of 10% starch‐g‐PEHA above which the properties deteriorated rapidly due to starch particle aggregation. Thus, for potential use as biodegradable film packaging, the best properties are obtained for the PLA/starch‐g‐PEHA 90/10 blend.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/star.201800093
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Aston Institute of Materials Research (AIMR)
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering > Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Aston Polymer Research Group
Additional Information: This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Bunkerd, R. , Molloy, R. , Somsunan, R. , Punyodom, W. , Topham, P. D. and Tighe, B. J. (2018), Synthesis and Characterization of Chemically‐Modified Cassava Starch Grafted with Poly(2‐Ethylhexyl Acrylate) for Blending with Poly(Lactic Acid). Starch ‐ Stärke, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/star.201800093.  This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.
Publication ISSN: 0038-9056
Last Modified: 11 Mar 2024 08:22
Date Deposited: 29 May 2018 12:40
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: https://onlinel ... /star.201800093 (Publisher URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2018-11
Published Online Date: 2018-05-21
Accepted Date: 2018-04-30
Authors: Bunkerd, Ratthaphat
Molloy, Robert
Somsunan, Runglawan
Punyodom, Winita
Topham, Paul D. (ORCID Profile 0000-0003-4152-6976)
Tighe, Brian J. (ORCID Profile 0000-0001-9601-8501)

Download

[img]

Version: Accepted Version


Export / Share Citation


Statistics

Additional statistics for this record