In this study, thermoplastic starch (TPS), cross-linked starch (CS), and cross-linked starch modified with glycerol (CTPS) were prepared, and the mechanical properties of the compatibilized low-density polyethylene (LDPE) blends (LDPE/TPS, LDPE/CS, and LDPE/CTPS) were investigated and compared with those of uncompatibilized LDPE/TPS, LDPE/CS, and LDPE/CTPS blends. Maleic-anhydride-grafted polyethylene was used as the compatibilizer. The enhanced tensile strength and elongation at break for the compatibilized LDPE/modified starch blends are a result of the improved compatibility between LDPE and the modified starch, which was confirmed by torque measurements and scanning electron microscopy.

Abstract
 1. Introduction
 2. Experimental
  2.1. Materials and preparation of modified starch (MS)
  2.2. Preparation of LDPE/MS/PE-g-MAH blends
  2.3. Testing
 3. Results and discussion
 4. Conclusions
 References

• Jin-Woo Park(Division of Energy and Bio Engineering, Dongseo University)
• Gue-Hyun Kim(Division of Energy and Bio Engineering, Dongseo University) Corresponding author
• Jin-Bok Moon(Department of Footwear Fashion Industry, Kyungnam College of Information and Technology)