Poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic starch sheets: effect of adipate esters on the morphological, mechanical and barrier properties

Abstract Blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) plasticized with adipate esters (diisodecyl adipate and diethyl adipate) having different molecular weight were used to produce sheets. The calendering-extrusion process at a pilot scale was used, and the mechanical, barrier, and morphological characterization of the obtained materials were performed. The increase in the TPS content affected the mechanical properties of the sheets by increasing the elongation and decreasing the rigidity. TPS conferred a more hydrophilic character to the sheets, as observed from the water...