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Materials Science and Engineering

Chulalongkorn University

2009

Cassava starch

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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Thermoplastic Cassava Starch/Sorbitol-Modified Montmorillonite Nanocomposites Blended With Low Density Polyethylene: Properties And Biodegradability Study, S Chuayjuljit, S Hosililak, A Athisart Jul 2009

Thermoplastic Cassava Starch/Sorbitol-Modified Montmorillonite Nanocomposites Blended With Low Density Polyethylene: Properties And Biodegradability Study, S Chuayjuljit, S Hosililak, A Athisart

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The objective of this research paper is to prepare environmentally friendly plastic materials from biodegradable cassava starch, montmorillonite (MMT) and low density polyethylene (LDPE). MMT was first modified by sorbitol via a solid state method. Results from X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that sorbitol molecules were intercalated in between MMT layers along 001 direction. Cassava starch was plasticized with sorbitol and formamide on a two-roll mill to obtain thermoplastic starch (TPS). The TPS/modified-MMT nanocomposites were prepared by means of melt blending of TPS with various amounts of MMT (0, 2, 4, and 6 phr). XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results …