Abstract: Thermoplastic starch, polylactic acid glycerol and
maleic anhydride (MA) were compounded with natural
montmorillonite (MMT) through a twin screw extruder to investigate
the effects of different loading of MMT on structure, thermal and
absorption behavior of the nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction analysis
(XRD) showed that sample with MMT loading 4phr exhibited
exfoliated structure while sample that contained MMT 8 phr
exhibited intercalated structure. FESEM images showed big lump
when MMT loading was at 8 phr. The thermal properties were
characterized by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The
results showed that MMT increased melting temperature and
crystallization temperature of matrix but reduction in glass transition
temperature was observed Meanwhile the addition of MMT has
improved the water barrier property. The nanosize MMT particle is
also able to block a tortuous pathway for water to enter the starch
chain, thus reducing the water uptake and improved the physical
barrier of nanocomposite.