Novel biodegradable low-density polyethylene-poly(lactic acid)-starch ternary blends

The ternary powder blends based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and two polymers of natural origin poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and starch are obtained in a rotor disperser under conditions of shear deformations. The dependence of the final powder dispersity on the composition is explored. A comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of the ternary blends with those of the LDPE-PLA and PLA-starch binary blends previously obtained has revealed that the presence of two rigid polymers PLA and starch leads to an increase in the elastic modulus and a decrease in the tensile strength and elongation at break. In the study of the blend biodegradability, it is found that the presence of two polymers of natural origin in the system with a total mass fraction of 60% promotes intensive biodegradation.