Open AccessManipulating morphology in thermoplastic protein/polyester blends for improved impact strength
Author(s) -
Smith Matthew J.,
Verbeek Casparus J. R.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advances in polymer technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.523
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1098-2329
pISSN - 0730-6679
DOI - 10.1002/adv.21911
Subject(s) - materials science , izod impact strength test , composite material , dispersion (optics) , thermoplastic , morphology (biology) , compatibilization , copolymer , adipate , polyester , viscosity , surface tension , polymer blend , ultimate tensile strength , polymer , genetics , biology , physics , quantum mechanics , optics
Abstract Novatein thermoplastic protein was blended with 10 wt% poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) ( PBAT ) compatibilized with Joncryl ADR ‐4368 and 2‐methylimidazole (2 MI ). Morphology was tailored for favorable impact strength through changing viscosity ratio (λ) and interfacial tension (γ 12 ). For uncompatibilized blends, λ decreased and γ 12 increased with increasing Novatein water content, whereas compatibilizers caused a decrease in both λ and γ 12 . PBAT continuity was high when uncompatibilized, but dispersion improved with decreasing λ and increasing γ 12 . The dispersed domain size decreased in all compatibilized blends; PBAT continuity was lowest in samples with the smallest λ. Compatibilized blends had higher impact strength than Novatein and uncompatibilized blends through improved interfacial adhesion, smaller domain size, and increased dispersion. By altering λ and γ 12 , and with appropriate chemical interaction, a morphology can be created for improved impact strength. Increasing PBAT content showed further increases in impact strength; however, a cocontinuous morphology formed, demonstrating that composition can override the effect of λ and γ 12 .