Characterization of Biodegradable Packaging Films Derived from Potato Starch and LDPE Grafted with Maleic Anhydride–LDPE Composition. Part-II

Abstract

LDPE has been mixed with LDPE-g-mA (LDPE grafted with (0.5%) maleic anhydride) in 1:1 ratio containing a polar group in the LDPE backbone. Blown film samples containing various percentages of Potato Starch 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 and 15% and LDPE grafted with maleic anhydride/LDPE (1:1), have been prepared using extrusion film blowing under temperature profile ranging from 120 to 160 °C. Characteristics of prepared packaging films up to 15% Potato Starch were analysed for their mechanical properties (Tensile strength, Elongation at break, Bursting strength and Tear strength), water absorption properties and morphology. The compatibility of the system with the introduction of 50% LDPE grafted with maleic anhydride with various ratios of starch, have been verified with the help of resulting datasets. The resulting datasets were placed in theoretical models of Willet modifies Kerner’s equation and Nicolais and Narkis models. Procedure adopted above could make thermally stable, highly flexible, crystalline resultant material, which can be adopted as an alternative of LDPE material especially for packaging applications.