<p>This study investigates the effects of simple blending and three distinct curing systems: sulfur, peroxide, and phenolic, on the properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends filled with 20 phr bio-filler, rice husk ash (RHA). It was found that the phenolic-cured blend exhibited the highest tensile strength and Shore A hardness, attributed to rigid methylene bridges with Chroman ring structures and strong interfacial hydrogen bonding with RHA, TPS and ENR. Despite its highest torque difference or crosslink density, the sulfur-cured blend showed only moderate mechanical properties due to limited compatibility among the ingredients. The peroxide-cured thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) showed the lowest tensile strength but the highest elongation (~ 600%), reflecting its low crosslink density. Thermo-mechanical analysis indicated superior thermal stability in the phenolic system (T₉₀ ~213.2&#xa0;°C), while the simple blend showed rapid softening. SEM revealed uniform morphology of vulcanized ENR domains dispersed TPS matrix in the phenolic-cured blend, whereas the simple and peroxide blends exhibited coarse co-continuous phase structure. In addition, the simple blend and peroxide systems showed higher water uptake and biodegradability, while the phenolic system had minimal degradation. These findings emphasize the trade-offs between performance and environmental degradability, guiding the selection of curing systems for sustainable applications such as packaging and agricultural containers.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>