Effects of a Special Interface Structure on the Properties of a Starch-Based Composite.
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Effects of a Special Interface Structure on the Properties of a Starch-Based Composite.
Compatible starch-thermoplastic polyurethane composites were prepared in an intensive mixer using a polycaprolactone (PCL)-based polyurethane pre-polymer (PCLPUP) as a compatibilizer. The PCLPUP compatibilizer could interact with starch (St) through urethane linkages to improve compatibility between starch and PCLPUP. Also, degradation experiment and the subsequent differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) conducted confirmed that the urethane linkages formed were stable. In addition, the PCLPUP compatibilizer interacted with the thermoplastic polyurethane (PCLTPU) matrix through physical crosslinking due to their common structures. Thus, a special interface structure was formed between the starch granules and the PCLTPU matrix which significantly improved compatibility in the composite. Consequently, the mechanical, thermal, contact angle and water resistance, and morphological characterizations which were performed showed that the St-g-PCLPUP-PCLTPU composite had better performance compared to the St-PCLTPU composite without the compatibilizer. Therefore, the special PCLPUP interface structure played a remarkable role in improving compatibility and performance of the starch-PCLTPU composite material without changing their whole biodegradability.