Effect of Mixing Strategy on the Structure-Properties of the PLA/PBAT Blends Incorporated with CNC

Polylactide (PLA)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blend nanocomposites including 3 wt% of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were prepared by melt compounding method in a twin-screw extruder and an internal mixer. Blend formulated diluting three different masterbatches solution casting that contained 7 CNC. These were: (m1) PLA/PBAT/CNC masterbatch; (m2) PLA/CNC (m3) PBAT/CNC masterbatch. to explore how preparation methods affect the dispersion localization CNC hence properties nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used study structural changes blends. Rheological PLA/PBAT blends also investigated. In samples mixer, rheological behavior nanocomposite through premixing particles with PLA showed transition from liquid-like gel-like behavior. According results differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, it found overall enhanced viscoelastic improved crystallization, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) illustrated incorporation elastic modulus specifically above glass temperature PLA. The expected improvements did not occur due possible existence residual solvent