Biodegradable Poly (Butylene Adipate‐Co‐Terephthalate) and Thermoplastic Starch Sustainable Blends Modified by Epoxy‐Terminated Hyperbranched Polyester with Excellent Mechanical Properties and High Transparency

Abstract

A kind of fully biodegradable poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) blend is prepared by melt processing with epoxy‐terminated hyperbranched polymer (EHBP) as a modifier. The effect of EHBP on the performance of PBAT/TPS blends is investigated. The terminal epoxy group of EHBP can react with the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of PBAT and TPS, which increases the compatibility of PBAT and TPS. Meanwhile, the formation of hydrogen bonds and chain entanglement increases the adhesion between PBAT and TPS, which improves the mechanical properties of the blends. When the content of EHBP is 3 phr, the elongation at break of TPS/PBAT/EHBP blends increases by 28.99% (from 260.32% to 335.79%) and the impact strength increases by 215.78% (from 9.38 to 29.62 kJ m−2). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the compatibility of PBAT/TPS/EHBP blends gradually improves with the addition of EHBP. UV results show that the transparency of PBAT/TPS blends is greatly improved by the addition of EHBP, which also indicates the compatibility of PBAT and TPS is improved by the addition of EHBP. It provides an effective way to prepare PBAT blends with excellent properties through, an environmentally friendly and low‐cost processing method.

Glycidol-Free Aliphatic Copolymers as Chain Extenders for Polylactic Acid and Their Cost and Carbon Emission Assessments

“…These ADR are used to improve PLA’s molecular weight and significantly enhance its rheological characteristics . These epoxy groups have the ability to react with the polyester end-group’s hydroxy and carboxylic groups. , This serves as a compatibilizer and chain extender for blends of PLA/poly­(ε-caprolactone) and PLA/poly­(ethylene glycol) . Research has shown that it affects the thermal, mechanical morphology, and crystallinity of blends …”

In Situ Reactive Compatibilization of Thermoplastic Starch/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Blends with Robust Water Resistance Performance

“…In situ compatibilization and reactive blending through the use of reactive compatibilizers have been found to be an effective approach in the formation of a copolymer at the phase interfaces . For example, Guo et al improved compatibility between TPS and PBAT using epoxy-terminated hyperbranched polyester as a compatibilizer . The compatibility was enhanced through reaction between the epoxy group in compatibilizer and carboxyl or hydroxyl group in blend components.…”

Preparation of high‐performance poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/thermoplastic starch compounds with epoxidized soybean oil as compatibilizer

“…CNC has a high specific surface energy and its surface hydroxyl groups can form hydrogen bonds with TPS and interact with the ester group of PBAT. Guo et al 24 prepared epoxy‐terminated hyperbranched polymer (EHBP) for compatibilization of PBAT and TPS. Bai et al 3 capacitated PBAT and TPS with reactive epoxy compatibilizer REC.…”