Preparation and characterization of LDPE/starch blends containing ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer as compatibilizer

A series of LDPE blends with plasticized (PLST) and granular starch (FILST) were prepared. Ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer was used as a compatibilizer in three different amounts: 10, 25 and 50 wt% based on starch. The blends were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Second derivative IR spectra showed peak shifts similar to those observed in V‐type starch complexes with ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymers. The possibility for V‐type complex formation is supported by the lower biodegradation rates of the blends containing higher amounts of EVA. Mechanical properties of the blends, especially elongation at break, were satisfactory even for blends containing high amounts of starch (20–30 wt%).