Elaboration and Characterization of Starch/ Poly( caprolactone) Blends

A starch-based biodegradable material was prepared in two steps. Firstly, starch was chemically modified by using formic acid at 20°C to obtained degrees of substitution of about 1.2. The level of destructuration was also assessed using dynamic rheological measurements. Native starch or starch ester were then mixed with poly(caprolactone) and different polyester oligomers were added as compatibilisers and plasticizing agents. PCL oligomers were found to be the most efficient ones. A significant improvement of the elongation at break of starch formate/PCL/oligo PCL blends was achieved.