Compatibility and biodegradability of PMMA-starch cinnamate blends in various solvents

The compatibility of PMMA and starch cinnamate (STCN) blends prepared in te trahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, and N,N-dimethylformamide has been examined thr ough viscometry at 30 degreesC. From the intrinsic viscosity, relative visc osity, reduced viscosity, and density measurements, the blends of the two p olymers were observed to be compatible in all three solvents. The compatibi lity of the blends was also confirmed through FTIR and SEM studies. The ble nds were observed to be compatible on the basis of heat of mixing, but they were observed to be incompatible an the basis of polymer-polymer interacti on parameters. Results obtained show that the compatibility predicted on th e basis of viscometric and density measurements is not affected by the choi ce of solvents. Biodegradation studies showed 13% weight loss within 120 da ys in the case of the blend containing 30% STCN. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons , Inc.