Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics, Vol.36, No.12, 2211-2224, 1998
Clustering and percolation effects in microcrystalline starch-reinforced thermoplastic
The use of starch microcrystals as biodegradable particulate filler is evaluated by processing composite materials with a weight fraction of starch ranging from 0 to 60%. In a previous work [Macromolecules, 29, 7624] the preparation technique of a colloidal suspension of hydrolyzed starch and the processing of composite materials by freeze drying and molding a mixture of aqueous suspensions of starch microcrystals and synthetic polymer matrix were presented. Starch microcrystals with dimensions of a few nanometers were obtained from potatoes' starch granules, and it was found that this filler produces a great reinforcing effect, especially at a temperature higher than T-g of the synthetic matrix. Classical models for polymers containing nearly spherical particles based on a mean field approach could not explain this reinforcing effect. The morphology of these nanocomposite systems is discussed in light of aggregate formation and percolation concepts. The sorption behavior of these materials is also performed. Starch is a hygroscopic material, and it is found that the composites absorb more water, as the starch content is higher. The diffusion coefficient of the penetrant is predicted from modified mechanical three branch series-parallel model based on a percolation approach.
Keywords:HELICAL MOLECULAR-STRUCTURE;MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES;NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS;PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES;SYNTHETIC-POLYMERS;PACKING ANALYSIS;BLOWN FILMS;BLENDS;COMPOSITES;POLYETHYLENE