LAUSR

ABSTRACT In this work, di(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene (DB) and multifunctional Epoxide compound (ECE) were incorporated into Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)Modified polyvinyl alcohol (mPVOH) (70/30, 30/70) in an internal mixer to improve the compatibility of PHBV/PVOH blend. Prior to blending, glycerol and Maleic anhydride (MA) were added to PVOH (mPVOH). FTIR spectra indicated the reaction of MA grafted PVOH. The addition of DB and ECE showed higher torque values and better interfacial adhesion than nonreactive and reactive blends with DB or ECE. Tensile strength and elongation at break were increased for all reactive blends. The matrix dominated the crystallization whereas the minor phase was not crystallized upon cooling.