The miscibility between hydrophobic and hydrophilic biopolymers has been of significant challenge. This study used a novel simplified chitin modification method to produce phthalic - chitin using phthalic anhydride in a substitution reaction. The FT-IR functional group analysis was used to confirm the substitution reaction. The modified chitin was used as compatibiliser in PLA/starch biocomposite to enhance its properties. The biocomposite was prepared using melt extrusion and compression moulding technique. The biocomposite's morphological, thermomechanical, and water absorption properties were characterised using scanning electron microscope, tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetry analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thickness swelling, and water absorption test. The FT-IR study shows a successful substitution reaction of the amine hydrogen ion present in the chitin as opposed to substituting the hydrogen ion in the hydroxide group. The tensile and impact properties of biocomposite incorporated with modified chitin showed better results compared with other samples. The SEM images showed uniform miscibility of the modified biocomposite. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed improved modulus value with the incorporation of modified chitin. The thermal properties showed improved thermal stability of the modified biocomposite. Furthermore, the percentage of water absorbed by biocomposite with modified chitin is reduced compared to the PLA/starch biocomposite. The produced biodegradable ternary blend can be used as a substitute for plastics in industrial applications.

The data set are machine generated from characterisation of materials properties. The data set are processed using excel software. The following data set were uploaded for neat chitin, modified chitin, neat polylactic acid, polylactic acid -starch biocomposite, polylactic starch- chitin biocomposite and polylactic-starch -modified chitin biocomposites.

DMA - dynamic mechanical Analysis

TGA- Thermogravimetry analysis

DSC- differential scanning calorimetry

FT-IR

Chitin was modified and use as compatibilizer to enhance the miscibility between PLA and starch. details about the result is presented in the affiliated manuscript