Binary Blends of Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) and Poly(Butylene Succinate): A New Matrix for Biocomposites Applications

In this study, biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) binary blends were melt compounded. The mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of the PBAT/PBS blends were investigated. The melt compounded binary PBAT/PBS blends showed balanced mechanical properties (especially in tensile strength and elongation) compared to neat components. The obtained melt flow index (MFI) value of the blends is much higher than PBAT. This may be attributed to PBS phase residual catalyst that can induce thermal degradation of the polymers at higher temperature. The toughness of the PBAT is not significantly affected with addition of 40 wt% PBS in the PBAT/PBS blend. This could be the reason of good compatibility achieved between the PBAT and PBS phase in the blends. The phase morphology and spherulite morphology were also correlated with compatibility between the PBAT and PBS in the blends.