Ethylene‐Ethyl Acrylate Copolymer Modified Thermoplastic Starch/Poly(Ethylene‐co‐Vinyl Alcohol) Biocomposites

ABSTRACT Thermoplastic starch/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) (TPS/EVOH) biocomposites have drawn great attention in recent years because of an attractive combination of availability and controlled degradation. However, starch appears to be partially miscible with EVOH, and the aim of this study is to utilize ethylene‐ethyl acrylate copolymer (EEA) as a compatibilizer to improve the performance of the TPS/EVOH composite. This study was carried out by using dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile test, and moisture absorption evaluation. The results reveal that the incorporated EEA remarkably enhances the compatibility and improves the processibility, mechanical properties, and moisture resistance of the TPS/EVOH composite. However, excessive loading of EEA leads to the reduction in the mechanical performance of the TPS/EVOH composite, showing maximum values at the EEA contents of 2% and 4% with the increments of 28% and 12% for the strength and toughness, respectively.