Izod impact strength test

Polymer blend

Rheology

Crystallization

Ultimate tensile strength

Engineering

Copolymer

Composite material

Materials science

Compatibilization

Adipate

Talc

Elongation

Chemical engineering

Polymer

Toughness

e-Polymers

Biodegradable nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate- co -butylene terephthalate) (PBAT) (70/30, w/w) with diatomite or talc (1–7%). From the SEM test, the particles were transported to the interface of two phases, which acted as an interface modifier to strengthen the interfacial adhesion between PLA and PBAT. Talc and diatomite acted as nucleating agents to improve the crystallization of PBAT in the blends by DSC analysis. Moreover, adding the particles improved the tensile and impact toughness of the blends. The elongation at break with 5% talc was 78% (vs ∼21%) and the impact strength was 15 kJ/m 2 (vs ∼6.5 kJ/m 2 ). The rheological measurement revealed that the talc and diatomite reduced the viscosity of the blends. The results showed a good possibility of using talc- and diatomite-filled PLA/PBAT blends with high toughness for green-packaging and bio-membranes application.

Effect of talc and diatomite on compatible, morphological, and mechanical behavior of PLA/PBAT blends