Work

Formulating PBS/PLA/PBAT blends for biodegradable, compostable packaging: The crucial roles of PBS content and reactive extrusion

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The use of biodegradable polymers such as Poly (lactic acid) (PLA), Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is constantly increasing to try to substitute non-biodegradable plastics. In this work, a PLA/PBAT biodegradable and compostable blend was improved by adding PBS, leading to non-reactive, melt-mixed PLA/PBAT/PBS ternary blends. Polarized Light Optical Microscopy (PLOM) showed that micro-spherulitic PBS was localized at the interface between the immiscible PLA and PBAT phases in the blend, acting as a compatibilizer. Consequently, the mechanical properties improved, but the blends lack adequate rheological properties for blown film extrusion. Reactive blending was then performed by adding peroxide and carbodiimide, leading to a finer morphology and improved rheological properties. Thus, these reactive blends could be processed by blown film extrusion. The blown films exhibited adequate ductile mechanical properties for film packaging applications, as well as high seal strength and good thermal resistance.

Source: Polymer Testing

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2024.108383

Authors: Sarocha Chuakhao, Juan Torres Rodríguez, Somjit Lapnonkawow, Gokul Kannan, Alejandro J. Müller, Supakij Suttiruengwong