FACTORS AFFECTING MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE)/STARCH BLENDS: A REVIEW.

Due to the environmental concerns associated with non-biodegradable polymers like low-density polyethylene (LDPE), the production of ecofriendly and partially biodegradable films based on starch/LDPE blends is the point of interest. However, due to immiscibility between hydrophilic starch and hydrophobic LDPE, the mechanical properties of the produced films are not good enough. In this context, several investigations have been conducted to improve the mechanical properties of the films, mainly through the improvements in miscibility and compatibility of two layers. The mechanical characteristics of the films fabricated from these blends are affected by different factors including modification of starch via esterification, cross-linking and thermo-plasticization, starch granule characteristics (amylose to amylopectin ratio, size, and shape) and their content, type, and quantity of compatibilizers, presence of nanoparticles (type and content), using of recycled polymers, type of plasticizers and processing technique. The current article presents an overview of the factors that affect the mechanical properties of LDPE/starch blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]