Investigation of mechanical properties and biodegradability of compatibilized thermoplastic starch/ high impact polystyrene blends reinforced by organophilic montmorillonite

Nour El Houda Aouadi, Abdelhak Hellati, Nizamudeen Cherupurakal, Melia Guessoum, Abdel Hamid I. Mourad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

This work consists of preparation and characterization of composites produced from thermoplastic starch (TPS) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS). Due to the immiscibility of the system (TPS/HIPS), it was necessary to incorporate concentrations of 1, 2 and 3% of an organophilic montmorillonite (MMT) to improve the properties of the mixtures, in particular their rigidity. The composites thus prepared were characterized using XRD, FTIR, mechanical test, degree of swelling in water and biodegradability. The results show that the addition of MMT improves the mechanical properties of the mixtures such as the tensile strength and the Young’s modulus by 5% and 10%, respectively. In contrast, the resilience of the system has significantly decreased. Moreover, for 3% of MMT, the composites biodegradability is enhanced by 15% when compared to the TPS/HIPS mixture without MMT.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S1113-S1124
JournalPolymers and Polymer Composites
Volume29
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2021

Keywords

  • High impact polystyrene
  • biocomposite
  • biodegradability
  • montmorillonite
  • thermoplastic starch

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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