Plasticized starch–cellulose interactions in polysaccharide composites

This paper is focused on the interactions between leafwood cellulose fibres and a plasticized wheat starch matrix. Different plasticized starch (TPS)-based composites have been elaborated. LDPE-based composites are used as reference materials (no fibre–matrix interactions). After extrusion and injection moulding, the properties of the different composites are analysed. Mechanical properties (tensile tests), thermo-mechanical properties (DMTA) and morphology (SEM) are evaluated. DMTA analysis shows for TPS composites a strong evolution of the main relaxation temperature, which can be linked to the existence of cellulose–starch interactions resulting in a decrease of starch chain mobility. This phenomenon is consistent with the evolution of mechanical behaviour. SEM observations correlate this hypothesis. After cryogenic fracture, TPS composites present fibres, which are embedded in the matrix. On the composites, reinforcing effects have been observed according to the evolution of fibre length and fibre content.