Preparation, crystallization, and properties of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/organomodified montmorillonite nanocomposites

Abstract

Intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and Cloisite 30B (C30B) were fabricated by a solution-casting method to study the effects of the clay loading on the crystallization behavior, thermal stability, and dynamic mechanical properties of PBAT in PBAT/C30B nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results indicated the formation of exfoliated nanocomposites at low clay loadings (<5 wt %) and a mixture of exfoliated and intercalated nanocomposites with a clay content of 8 wt % throughout the PBAT matrix. Nonisothermal melt crystallization studies indicated that C30B enhanced the crystallization of PBAT, apparently because of a heterogeneous nucleation effect. Moreover, an attempt was made to quantitatively study the influence of the presence of C30B and its contents on the nucleation activity of PBAT in the PBAT/C30B nanocomposites. The thermal stability of PBAT decreased slightly in the nanocomposites. However, the storage modulus of PBAT apparently increased with the C30B loading increasing in the PBAT/ C30B nanocomposites.

An overview on properties and applications of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)–PBAT based composites

“…The fillers can act as heterogeneous nucleation sites (Fig. 2), increasing the crystallinity of the PBAT [86,87]. The increase in crystallinity is usually associated with improved mechanical properties of the polymers [73,84,88,89], however, this relation is not always linear.…”

Development of antimicrobial PCL/nanoclay nanocomposite films with enhanced mechanical and water vapor barrier properties for packaging applications

“…In this context, the aliphatic polyesters have been the subject of increasing focus because of their biodegradability and biocompatibility [4][5][6]. Although these polyesters are biodegradable and renewable as well as edible, their industrial use is limited by their poor mechanical and water vapor barrier properties.…”

Clay Nano-Biocomposites Based on PBAT Aromatic Copolyesters

“…Recently, Yang et al [20] reported the elaboration of nano-biocomposites of PBAT and C30B by a solution-casting method. The effect of the clay loading on the crystallization behavior and physical properties of PBAT in PBAT/C30B nanocomposites was further investigated.…”

“…In conclusion, the addition of finely dispersed C30B in the PBAT matrix had a significant influence on the spherulitic morphology and overall crystallization process of PBAT [20]. [20] The crystal structure of neat PBAT and PBAT/C30B nano-biocomposites with different clay loadings was investigated with WAXD.…”

“…In conclusion, the addition of finely dispersed C30B in the PBAT matrix had a significant influence on the spherulitic morphology and overall crystallization process of PBAT [20]. [20] The crystal structure of neat PBAT and PBAT/C30B nano-biocomposites with different clay loadings was investigated with WAXD. The presented diffraction patterns exhibited almost the same diffraction peaks at the same locations which indicated that the incorporation of C30B did not modify the crystal structure of PBAT.…”