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2020.12.31Epoxidized cardanol-based prepolymer (ECP) generated from cashew nut shell liquid was successfully used as biobased compatibilizer/chain extender for poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) (80:20 wt%) blends.
This is introduced in the research study article “Epoxidized cardanol-based prepolymer as promising biobased compatibilizing agent for PLA/PBAT blends” written by professor Juliana M.Farias da Silva and Soares Bluma G. from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The article has been published and will be included in the January publication of Polymer Testing. The article introduced ECP as a promising biobased compatibilizing agent for PLA/PBAT blends.
Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) as a commercial biobased and biodegradable plastic has been considered a good option for replacing commodity polymers in many applications. However, its brittleness, narrow processing window and low melt strength limit its application in large-scale process, as film blowing and injection molding. Blending PLA with other flexible polymers is a well-known strategy for improving elongation and toughness of the resulting materials, besides being much more cost-effective and scalable than synthesizing new polymers.
Highlights of the article
- Biodegradable PLA/PBAT blends compatibilized with epoxidized cardanol by melt mixing.
- An increase of almost 300% in toughness with the addition of 3% of ECP.
- New possibilities for using agricultural waste generated in cashew nut processing industries.
In conclusion, ECP can be considered as a promising agent for the compatibility of PLA / PBAT blends. In addition to being a cost-effective and environmentally friendly bio based material, it can also improve the mechanical properties of biodegradable mixtures. This study provides a new possibility for the application of agricultural waste from cashew processing industry to biodegradable polyester in packaging industry.
If you are interested to read the full research article, please click here.
Source: Sciencedirect
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