Preparation and characterization of biodegradable agar/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephatalate) composites

Abstract

A series of biocomposites were developed by reinforcing agar particles from red marine plant Gelidium robustum into poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephatalate) (PBAT) using extrusion and injection molding technique. The effect of different content of agar (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) on the physico‐mechanical properties of the biocomposite was evaluated. The dynamic mechanical behavior of the composites was studied to determine the storage and loss modulus. The incorporation of agar particles into PBAT enhanced the tensile strength and modulus with a reduced percentage of elongation at break. A reduction in the mechanical loss factor (tan δ) was noticed with the addition of agar particles into PBAT. A reverse trend was noticed for storage and loss modulus. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the degradation temperature of PBAT‐agar composites lies in between that of their individual components (agar and PBAT). An increase in melting (Tm) and crystallization (Tc) temperature of the biocomposites were noticed as agar particle content increased. The rheological study carried out by dynamic frequency experiments demonstrated that viscosity is increased with the presence of agar particles. The morphology of the biocomposites was analyzed using scanning electron microscope. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers

Compatibility effect of titanium dioxide nanofiber on reinforced biobased nanocomposites: Thermal, mechanical, and morphology characterization

“…b–e exhibits a homogenous phase behavior. From the observation of SEM images, the fractured surface of the nanocomposites exhibits more fibrillar structure than the neat PTT/PBAT blend . The formation of a homogenous phase and the twisted fibrillar structures may be due to the creation of an H‐bond between the polymer matrix ester group (–COO–) and the TNF hydroxyl group (OH).…”

“…Weakening of the nanocomposites network leads to a decrease in the E′ value at the lower temperature range. However, the nanocomposites E′ value is increased with the increasing weight content of TNF, which is attributed to the H‐bond formation between the matrix and the nanofiller, leading to an enhanced crosslinked network . The TNF could generate agglomeration at higher concentrations (7.5% and 10%) to reduce the functionality on the surface and reduce the interaction between TNF and the matrix.…”

Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers

“…Blending of biodegradable polymers with inexpensive organic fillers to produce composites has attracted considerable attention as an alternative way to resolve pollution problems and to obtain ''green'' materials [1]. Conventional polymers, such as polyethylene and polypropylene are stable for many years after disposal.…”

Nanoclay‐reinforced poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) biocomposites for packaging applications

“…Wang et al [14] synthesized a copolyester of poly(butylene terephthalate‐ co ‐butylene adipate‐ co ‐ethylene terephthalate‐ co ‐ethylene adipate) and extensively investigated its crystallization behavior, because the crystal structure strongly influences the properties of a crystalline polymer [14]. Madera‐Santana et al [15] studied the application of agar to reinforce PBAT. There also exist recent studies about the reinforcement of PBAT reinforced by natural and organomodified clay.…”