Biodegradable blends of LDPE and cellulose acetate phthalate have been prepared. Maleic anhydride-grafted LDPE has been added as a compatibilizer to this blend. The elastic modulus and tensile strength has been considerably improved by adding LDPE-g-maleic anhydride compatibilizer. Scanning electron microscope micrographs reflected the observed results for the increase in mechanical properties of the blend. Further blend morphology exhibited a deformed matrix for the compatibilized blends. Thermogravimetric analysis Studies showed two-stage degradation for the blends. Differential scanning calorimetry thermograms showed a loss of crystallinity for the LDPE phase. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 112: 649-659, 2009