Abstract

KU, M.; HERRERA-FRANCO, P.; HERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ, F.  and  VALADEZ-GONZALEZ, A.. Combined effect of an acrylic compatibilizer and two plasticizers on the tensile strength and strain of pla/starch blends using response surface methodology. Rev. Mex. Ing. Quím [online]. 2016, vol.15, n.1, pp.231-242. ISSN 1665-2738.

Using the response surface methodology the combined effect of an acrylic compatibilizer Joncryl and two plasticizers, acetyl triethyl citrate and sorbitol, on the tensile strength and the elongation at break of an immiscible blend of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and starch was studied. The resulting mechanical properties were analyzed using the response surface methodology. The results show that the compatibilizing agent Joncryl improved the tensile strength of the PLA/starch blend. The addition of Joncryl and sorbitol, enhanced the elongation at break to the PLA/starch blend. These agents also contributed to improve the morphology of the mixture, since there was change in facture mode from brittle to ductile. The citrate plasticizer not only did not help in improving the ductility of the blends, but inhibits both the sorbitol plasticization and Joncryl compatibilization efficiency.

Keywords : immiscible blends; RSM; compatibilization; PLA; starch.