Polyethylene‐g‐starch nanoparticle biocomposites: Physicochemical properties and biodegradation studies

Low density polyethylene‐g‐maleic anhydride‐g‐starch nanoparticle (LMNS) biocomposites have been synthesized in water medium. LMNS biocomposites were fabricated with different starch nanoparticle (NS) loadings (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt%) by compression molding technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed ester linkage between maleic anhydride grafted low density polyethylene (LM) and NS, thereby confirming the improved compatibility of the biocomposites. Thermal analysis confirmed the chemical linkage of NS on LM chains. The wettability and surface roughness characteristics of biocomposites were evaluated by water sorption, static contact angle, and atomic force microscopy. Water sorption was improved due to the increase of NS content in samples, whereas the water contact angle and surface roughness were diminished. The load at maximum, tensile strength and percentage of elongation at break for the biocomposites were enhanced with the increase in NS content. The morphology analysis of samples revealed homogenous distribution and good interfacial adhesion. The biodegradation enhancement of samples has been revealed by fungal and soil burial tests. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E426–E440, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers