Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/Cellulose Nanocrystal Nanocomposites Obtained by In Situ Polymerization

Abstract

Biodegradable plastic films, in which poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a major component, play a significant role in the expansion of the sustainable plastic packaging market. Unfortunately, biodegradable films tear easily. To garner consumer attention, it is paramount that these materials not only offer sustainability benefits but also provide durability. To enhance the mechanical properties of PBAT, an in situ method that polymerizes monomers upon the addition of aqueous cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspensions was developed herein to directly synthesize all-organic nanocomposites. The prepared films (containing only 0.05 wt % of CNC relative to the total amount of monomers) exhibited the highest tensile strength (71 MPa) and elongation at break (1018%) reported thus far for PBAT-based composites. The composite films were processed facilely through a blown extrusion process that is suitable for mass production, and a 22% improvement in tear toughness was achieved in relation to that of neat PBAT. The composite was completely decomposed into CO2 and water under composting conditions, exhibiting excellent biodegradability. This biodegradable PBAT/CNC nanocomposite with simultaneous improvements in tensile and tear resistance properties is expected to positively contribute to the expansion of the biodegradable plastics market.

Manipulation of Crystallization Nucleation and Mechanical Properties of PBAT Films by Octadecylamine-Cellulose

“…This material is a biodegradable polymer, and could be derived from sustainable resources. 4 A high number of flexible aliphatic chains of PBAT in its macromolecular chain, lead to the material with good tensile properties, flexibility, ductility, and fracture toughness, also excellent processability, and adjustable biodegradability; 5,6 However, a slower crystallization rate, a lower degree of crystallinity, and modulus of elasticity are crucial issues that severely hinder its application.…”

“…The depletion of petrochemical resources has led researchers to the development of biobased polymer materials derived from sustainable resources. − PBAT is the main alternative material for petroleum-based plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. This material is a biodegradable polymer, and could be derived from sustainable resources . A high number of flexible aliphatic chains of PBAT in its macromolecular chain, lead to the material with good tensile properties, flexibility, ductility, and fracture toughness, also excellent processability, and adjustable biodegradability; , However, a slower crystallization rate, a lower degree of crystallinity, and modulus of elasticity are crucial issues that severely hinder its application.…”

Ultra‐strong and biodegradable nanocomposite fibers of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/cellulose nanocrystal prepared by dry‐jet wet spinning

“…27 Meanwhile, Kim et al claimed that the insitu polymerization of PBAT/CNC nanocomposites exhibited an outstanding reinforcing effect even at minimal filler content (0.05 wt%). 28 In this study, we prepared biodegradable nanocomposite fibers composed of PBAT and CNC with remarkable mechanical strength and toughness using dry-jet wet spinning. PBAT and CNC were mixed well in DMSO as a common solvent.…”

“…Mohammadi et al found that a binary solvent mixture of tetrahydrofuran and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was suitable for preparing PBAT/CNC nanocomposites 27 . Meanwhile, Kim et al claimed that the in‐situ polymerization of PBAT/CNC nanocomposites exhibited an outstanding reinforcing effect even at minimal filler content (0.05 wt%) 28 …”