Effects of talc, kaolin and calcium carbonate as fillers in biopolymer packaging materials

Abstract We compared the performance of bio-based and biodegradable polymers for packaging applications. Cost-effective inorganic fillers (talc, kaolin calcium carbonate) were first melt-compounded with polylactic acid (PLA), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) poly(hydroxy butyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV). Following this, injection- compression-molded specimens produced to test effect filler loading (0–30 wt%) in relation morphological, thermal, mechanical barrier properties composites. All homogeneously dispersed polymer matrices suitable polymer–filler adhesion was observed talc kaolin. The elastic modulus increased at expense a reduced tensile elongation. most significant improvements water vapor oxygen achieved PLA, PBAT PHBV films. Overall, results point promise introduced compositions food materials.