Composites for "white and green" solutions: Coupling UV resistance and chain extension effect from poly(butylene succinate) and layered double hydroxides composites

Hybridization of layered double hydroxide (LDH) platelets of Zn2Al cation intra-sheet composition was performed with L-tyrosine (TYR), L-tryptophan (TRP) and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic (HPP) acid, and the hybrid LDH materials were characterized by the means of conventional techniques as X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis to address their sandwich structures and their mass formulae, respectively. Subsequently they have been considered as "green" filler and dispersed into poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) through a melt extrusion process. In regard of the rheological properties, it was possible to extend the PBS chain thus leading to a better processability. Another aspect was the ability to stand photo-degradation under UV radiation for applicative purposes. Owing to the organic chromophores acting as potential UV stabilizers, it was found a higher chain extension effect for PBS in the case of LDH/TRP that was also performing in time of irradiation tests. This opens new routes for designing filler of "white and green" relevances to endow bio-source polymer with properties for practical applications and in respect of environment and global sustainability.