Abstract: Blends of poly(L-lactide)(PLA), glutinous rice flour, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were prepared and studied. Glutinous rice powder increased the water absorption of PLA, but reducing its mechanical properties. The impact strength of the composite first increased then decreased as the amount of PEG increased, and showed a maximum of 22.8 kJ/m2 when PEG amount was 12 %, which was 4 times that of neat PLA. With increasing PEG content, the compatibility between glutinous rice flour and PLA increased.

Key words: poly(lactic acid), glutinous rice flour, water absorption, poly(ethylene glycol), mechanical properties