Preparation and characterization of dry method esterified starch/polylactic acid composite materials.

Highlights: [•] Esterified method was a simple process, low cost, and limited amounts of waste water and gas. [•] Maleic anhydride esterified starch was blended with PLA to increase the interface bond strength. [•] The mechanical properties and water resistance of the composite material improved. [•] Contact angle and water absorption test results verify that hydrophobicity increased obviously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]