Effect of Peroxide on Compatibility, Microstructure, Rheology, Crystallization, and Mechanical Properties of PBS/Waxy Starch Composites

Abstract Polybutylene succinate (PBS)/waxy starch (WS)/dibenzoyl peroxide (BPO) bio‐composites are prepared via one‐step blending in an internal mixer. The results of scanning electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analyses, rheological tests, contact angle measurements, thermogravimetric analyses, and Soxhlet extraction experiments show that a crosslinked graft copolymer (WS‐g‐PBS) is produced with the aid of BPO during melt blending, resulting in improved compatibility between PBS and WS. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction indicate that WS‐g‐PBS affects both the crystallization and melting processes. However, the crystal form of PBS is not modified by adding WS and BPO. The mechanical properties of the composites increase significantly with the addition of BPO.