Reinforcing poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate) biodegradable blends with silicon carbide (SiC): A silane-coupled approach for enhanced mechanical and thermal performance

This study aims to enhance the properties of biodegradable plastics by blending poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as well as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with silicon carbide (SiC). SiC content was varied from 10 to 40 phr using an internal mixer, maintaining a 90/10 wt% ratio of PLA/PBS as the matrix. The investigation covered mechanical, thermal properties, chemical structure, and composite morphology. The morphological analysis confirmed even dispersion of SiC within the PLA/PBS matrix, possibly due to improved compatibility via a silane coupling treatment. This resulted in the maximum Young's modulus and impact strength with 40 phr SiC, showing a 40% and 76% enhancement, respectively, compared to pure PLA. Concerning thermal properties, SiC addition influenced the mobility of PLA/PBS molecular chains and crystalline structure, leading to an increase in T-g with higher SiC fractions. However, Delta H-m of PLA, PBS, and X-c,X-PLA decreased, which corresponds to reduced viscosity in the PLA/PBS blend and increased mobility with higher SiC content, as indicated by the elevated MFI value. Highlights Young's modulus increased by 40% and impact strength by 76% than pure PLA. Even SiC dispersion in PLA/PBS, possibly aided by silane coupling. SiC alters chain mobility, boosts crystalline structure, raising T-g. Delta H-m and X-c,X-PLA reduced, suggests reduced viscosity in PLA/PBS at more SiC. Elevated MFI value shows increased chain mobility in PLA/PBS blend at more SiC.