Extrusion Foaming of Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) in the Presence of Spherical Nanosilica and Reactive Compatibilizer

Plastic pollution and the depletion of petroleum resources have prompted the search for sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable polymers like poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are promising due to their environmental benefits and strong mechanical properties. PLA, a commonly used biopolymer, can be processed into various products but faces challenges in the foaming process. Adding nucleating agents such as PBAT or nanoparticles can improve PLA’s foamability. This study investigates the effects of hydrophilic and hydrophobic silica nanoparticles on the properties of PLA/PBAT foams. Nanoparticles influence foam morphology by affecting crystallization, nanoparticle dispersion, and bubble nucleation. Results showed that foams with hydrophobic nanoparticles had the lightest structure and highest void fraction. Chain extenders also improved foam properties, with PBAT enhancing their effectiveness.

کلیدواژه ها:

Poly(lactic acid) ، poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) ، nanosilica ، foam ، nanocomposite ، biodegradable plastic