Allyloxy-modified starch with low degree of substitution for fiber reinforced thermoset starch composites

In the present work dough moulding compound premixes of allyl glycidyl ether modified (AGE)-potato starch, (DS) = 0.2, has been prepared and tested for its fiber reinforced composite properties. The AGE-starch was hydrolyzed with α-amylase under neutral condition for 6 h at 45 °C for improved process ability. The grafting and hydrolytic scission was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), respectively. Homogeneous composite premixes of AGE-starch, wood fibers, various amount of glycerol and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate were successfully mixed with a Brabender-kneader at 55 °C and cured by compression molding at 150 °C using 2 wt% of dibenzoyl peroxide. Adding 5 wt% of glycerol did not reduce the ultimate strength of the composites; 10% glycerol reduced the strength from 60 MPa to 40 MPa, and 16% glycerol to 14 MPa. The results with 5 wt% glycerol are comparable with earlier achieved results. The water absorption rate increased with increased glycerol content and the mechanical strength of the composites was lost completely when the moisture uptake reached 15 wt%.