Citric acid and maleic anhydride as compatibilizers in starch/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blends by one-step reactive extrusion

► We tested two different compatibilizers in starch/polyester blends production. ► We evaluated the changes in mechanical, optical and barrier properties of films. ► Citric acid and maleic anhydride realized esterification/crosslinked reactions. ► Films with better properties were obtained when compatibilizers were added. ► The films produced represent a potential replacement for non-biodegradable plastics.