Selective Localization of Nanoparticles to Enhance the Properties of PBS/PLA Nanocomposite Blown Films

Abstract The addition of nanoparticles could allow to upgrade the performances biopolymers, making them fit replace petroleum-based plastics. In order maximize sustainability benefits bio-nanocomposites, it is fundamental opportunely tune their bulk properties by acting on nanostructure. particular, in nanocomposite blends final morphologies are highly dependent selective localization nanoparticles: mainly inside one polymeric phases and/or at interface. this work, PBS (polybutylene succinate)/PLA (polylactic acid) blown films were prepared with aim optimizing mechanical and gas barrier profiting from multiple functions nanofillers as reinforcements, compatibilizers morphology-directors. PBS/PLA blends, a constant polymers’ weight proportion (80/20), twin-screw extrusion, adding amount lamellar nanosilicate (Cloisite 30B), according different mixing routes: (i) first dispersing PLA or phase, followed compounding other resin; (ii) direct all three components. systems showed finer dispersion phase compared neat blend. While good exfoliation degree was generally observed for hybrid samples, blending sequence significantly affected preferential localization. film PBS/(PLA + C30B) most positively nanoplatelets interface, since compatibilizing action effectively exploited. fact, latter sample exhibited an interesting increase (+ 29%) deformation break significant improvement 33%) oxygen