Effect of peroxide and chain extender on mechanical properties and morphology of poly (butylene succinate)/poly (lactic acid) blends

Poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) are biodegradable polymers with high potential to replace commodity fossil-based polymers in a wide range of applications. However, these two polymers are immiscible in most ratios, but partially miscible when one of the two is a major phase. In this study, a one-step process in a twin-screw extruder was used to prepare the blends between poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) as a matrix and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) as a dispersed phase. To improve mechanical properties and morphology of blends, two reactive agents, peroxide (Perkadox) and multifunctional epoxide chain extender (Joncryl) were selected and compared. All samples were characterized for melt flow index (MFI), morphology, tensile, and impact properties. The results showed that the mechanical properties and morphology of PBS/PLA blends were improved when using both reactive agents. It was demonstrated that the increased mechanical properties resulted from good interfacial adhesion between PBS and finely dispersed PLA particles. The addition of 0.075 phr Perkadox to PBS/PLA (75: 25 and 80: 20) blends increased elongation at break by 7.2% and 38.4%, respectively compared with the blends without reactive agents. The results from gel content also revealed the graft copolymer existed at the interface when reactive agents were added. In the case of using multifunctional epoxide chain extender, the impact strength of the blends increased.