Approaches to improve compatibility of starch filled polymer system : a review

Abstract

When hydrophilic starch is incorporated into synthetic polymers, the resulting products are weakened, especially blending with hydrophobic polymers. Many researchers have been undertaking various approaches to improve compatibility of starch and synthetic polymers. However, no ultimate and comprehensive approach can be determined. This paper aims to investigate and discuss the improvement approaches which have been recently developed by researchers. Also, the extents of improvement are summarized as well. In order to simplify this review, synthetic polymers are categorized into polar and non-polar types. Low density polyethylene was studied as non-polar type polymer, while polyvinyl alcohol was studied to represent as polar type polymer. Both types of synthetic polymers were blended with starches and their results were reported well by researchers. All findings are very informative and further encourage research for other starch filled polymer systems as well. In short, appropriate modifications to starch filled polymer system would induce polarity of the materials and subsequently create harmonious intermolecular interactions among blending components for better product properties.