Selective Localization of Nanofiller on Mechanical Properties ofPoly(lactic acid)/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)Nanocomposites via the Surface Energy and Melt BlendingTechnique

The dispersion and localization of nanofillers at theinterface in immiscible polymer blends to prevent phase separationand voids are the most important factors for fabricating nano-composites with outstanding mechanical properties. However, thesefactors are limited to conventional industrial applications, such asmelt blending and extrusion due to the aggregation/agglomerationof the nanofillers during processing. Here, the effects of the meltblending technique and nanofiller surface energy on dispersion andselective localization of the nanofillers in poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) nanocompositewere studied. Consequently, we confirmed that the localization ofmodified silica (m-SiO2) in the nanocomposite could be determined by controlling the PBAT mixing time. Furthermore, the m-SiO2, located at the PLA/PBAT interface with modified cellulose nanofiber, improved the morphology of the PLA/PBATnanocomposites, thereby significantly improving the tensile strength and elongation at break by approximately 7% and 16%,respectively. The results of this study demonstrate a novel approach to control the dispersion and localization of nanofillers inimmiscible polymer blends, thereby paving a new possibility to fabricate eco-friendly packaging materials industrially

Automated summary

The dispersion and localization of nanofillers in immiscible polymer blends is crucial for fabricating nano-composites with exceptional mechanical properties. This study investigated the effects of melt blending technique and nanofiller surface energy on the dispersion and selective localization of nanofillers in PLA/PBAT nanocomposites. The results demonstrated that controlling the PBAT mixing time could determine the localization of modified silica in the nanocomposite, leading to improved morphology and significantly enhanced tensile strength and elongation at break.