Preparation and characterization of biodegradable aliphatic polyester/thermoplastic starch/organoclay ternary hybrid nanocomposites

Biodegradable aliphatic polyester (APES)/thermoplastic starch (TPS)/Cloisite 30B ternary hybrid nanocomposites were prepared via melt intercalation. The dispersion of the silicate layers in the APES/TPS hybrids were characterized by using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Tensile and barrier properties of the APES/TPS/Cloisite 30B hybrids were also studied. Adding APES to the TPS/Cloisite 30B hybrids leads to higher tensile strength and improved barrier property.