Effect of static mixer on the properties of HDPE/modified starch biocomposites

Waxy maize starch was plasticized with glycerol and granulated in an intensive mixer. The granules were extruded in a twin screw extruder to get amorphous starch compounded then with high-d. polyethylene by reactive extrusion in presence of maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene in a static mixer in the same twin screw extruder optionally after mixing in. Samples of the biocomposites for testing were prepd. by injection moulding. The static tensile strength, structure and thermal properties of the biocomposites were examd. Young modulus increased while melting enthalpy decreased with increasing starch content in the biocomposites. Use of the static mixer did not improve the quality of the biocomposites.