Abstract

SILVA, Myrian; ENCALADA, Katherine  and  VALLE, Vladimir. Study of Carnauba Wax as Compatibilizer in Polylactide-Achira Starch (Canna edulis) blends. Rev Politéc. (Quito) [online]. 2017, vol.39, n.1, pp.13-18. ISSN 2477-8990.

The huge difference in terms of affinity between polylactide (PLA) and starch demands to find new alternatives of non- toxic compatibilizers. In this sense, the present paper aims to evaluate the miscibility of PLA, achira starch and glycerol at different amounts of carnauba wax (1-5 %). The methodology consisted of mixing the components into a rheometer at 120 ° C, for 20 min at a rotational speed of 90 rpm, then they were pressed at 120 °C and 21 MPa during 10 min. The results obtained throughout optical microscopy and mechanical test, shown a feasible use of carnauba wax as compatibilizer of this blend. Additionally, the highest homogeneity was obtained while the compatibilizer were at 1%. In conclusion, the size and distribution of heterogeneities presented over the material caused stress concentrators which resulted in an important variability over the mechanical properties.

Keywords : Polylactide; Achira starch; Carnauba wax; Miscibility.

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