Formulation and biodegradation of polymer blend based on low density polyethylene with starch and compatibilizers

The aim of this work is the preparation of a biodegradable polymeric blend (LDPE/AD+S) to be used for eco-friendly packaging purposes. The polymer matrix consists mainly of low density polyethylene( LDPE), starch (S), and low quantities of additives (AD) as compatibilizers. The additives are: maleic acid, acetic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and zinc stearate. The polymer blend LDPE/AD+S was prepared by extrusion, in three compositions according to the percentage of starch (15,20,40%). Then, films were prepared from the blend by thermal hydraulic compression to study their microstructure by optical microscopic at magnification of 055 The results showed that the starch granules were homogeneously distributed within the polymer matrix, and the compatibility additives played an important role in enhancing the microstructure of the prepared blends. The results also indicate that the starch promotes the onset of the bioegradation process.