Improvement of compatibility, mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties of poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) blends and their composites with porous clay heterostructures from mixed surfactant systems

Abstract

In this study, nanocomposite poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blends were prepared through polymer blending in the presence of multi‐functional epoxy as a compatibilizer that could react with epoxy group and terminated end group of two phases to increase interfacial adhesion between PLA and PBAT and improve the toughness of PLA. The effects of porous clay heterostructure from mixed CTAB:CTAC surfactant in the mole ratio of 1:2 (B1C2‐PCH) were also investigated. The elongation at break of the blends reached 38%, which was eight times that of neat PLA. The cryo‐fractured surface demonstrated the interfacial adhesion caused by the interaction of the epoxy group of the reactive compatibilizer with the terminal carboxyl and hydroxyl groups of PLA and PBAT. Moreover, PBAT reduced the crystallization rate and percent crystallinity of the PLA matrix and further decreased when compatibilizer was used. Alternatively, B1C2‐PCH accelerated the heterogeneous nucleation and crystallization of the nanocomposite films. After adding small amount of B1C2‐PCH, the nanocomposite films demonstrated excellent dielectric properties. Therefore, the improvement of PLA/PBAT nanocomposite blends are capable to be further developed as polymeric capacitor films.

An assessment of the role of nanosilica in thermal/thermo‐oxidative degradation mechanism of poly(lactic acid)/polybutylene adipate terephthalate blend nanocomposites

“…It is worth mentioning that both blend components are biodegradable and bio-based polymers derived from renewable resources. [1][2][3] Following a specific duration or exposure to stimuli such as moisture, UV light, biological microorganisms, and so on, these biodegradable plastics break down into basic chemicals, ideally comprising naturally occurring, non-toxic molecules. 4 The biodegradability, compostability, and flexibility of the PLA/PBAT blend have led to significant commercial growth and broad application of this material in manufacturing packaging materials, disposable stuff, agriculture films, and textiles.…”

“…These blends are often used in the production of biodegradable and compostable materials. It is worth mentioning that both blend components are biodegradable and bio‐based polymers derived from renewable resources 1–3 . Following a specific duration or exposure to stimuli such as moisture, UV light, biological microorganisms, and so on, these biodegradable plastics break down into basic chemicals, ideally comprising naturally occurring, non‐toxic molecules 4 .…”

Constructing stable “bridge” structures with compatibilizer POE‐g‐GMA to improve the compatibility of starch‐based composites

“…Interfacial compatibility and comprehensive performance of polymer blends can be enhanced by adding suitable compatibilizers. [21,22] Poly(octene ethylene) grafted glycidyl methacrylate (POE-g-GMA) is an excellent alternative. [23] The active epoxy groups carried by GMA can react with functional groups (hydroxyl groups, etc.)…”