Functional miscibility and thermomechanical properties enhancement of substituted phthalic acetylated modified chitin filler in biopolymer composite

The miscibility between hydrophobic and hydrophilic biopolymers has been
of significant challenge. This study used a novel simplified chitin
modification method to produce phthalic - chitin using phthalic anhydride
in a substitution reaction. The FT-IR functional group analysis was used
to confirm the substitution reaction. The modified chitin was used as
compatibiliser in PLA/starch biocomposite to enhance its properties. The
biocomposite was prepared using melt extrusion and compression moulding
technique. The biocomposite's morphological, thermomechanical, and
water absorption properties were characterised using scanning electron
microscope, tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetry
analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thickness swelling, and water
absorption test. The FT-IR study shows a successful substitution reaction
of the amine hydrogen ion present in the chitin as opposed to substituting
the hydrogen ion in the hydroxide group. The tensile and impact properties
of biocomposite incorporated with modified chitin showed better results
compared with other samples. The SEM images showed uniform miscibility of
the modified biocomposite. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed improved
modulus value with the incorporation of modified chitin. The thermal
properties showed improved thermal stability of the modified biocomposite.
Furthermore, the percentage of water absorbed by biocomposite with
modified chitin is reduced compared to the PLA/starch biocomposite. The
produced biodegradable ternary blend can be used as a substitute for
plastics in industrial applications.