Design of Mechanical Properties of Poly(butylene-adipate-terephthalate) Reinforced with Zein-TiO2 Complex

Mechanical properties of polymer biocomposites are influenced by the interaction between matrix and filler surface. In this work, composites based on poly(butylene-adipate-terephthalate) (PBAT) filled with micrometric particles zein-TiO2 complex (ZTC) were realized via solvent casting technique at different concentrations, equal to 0, 5, 10, 20 wt%. After pelletization, resulting materials injection molded into standard specimens, employed for uniaxial tensile test (UTT) characterization. From stress-strain curves, Young’s modulus ( E ), yield stress id="M2"> σ y break id="M3"> B elongation id="M4"> ε toughness id="M5"> T ) collected. The addition ZTC proved show a reinforcing effect polymeric matrix, an increase in both id="M6"> id="M7"> . Modelling mechanical was performed applying Kerner’s Pukánszky’s equations. model, applied experimental id="M8"> values, returned very good correspondence collected theoretical values. application model id="M9"> , obtained id="M10"> value showed interfacial filler. Due enhanced stiffness composites, reduction true id="M11"> , observed. modified gave id="M12"> lower than one yield, but still range acceptable values microcomposites.