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Fracture behavior and mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of biodegradable films extruded by flat die and calender
Author(s) -
Gigante Vito,
Aliotta Laura,
Coltelli Maria Beatrice,
Cinelli Patrizia,
Botta Luigi,
La Mantia Francesco Paolo,
Lazzeri Andrea
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2642-4169
pISSN - 2642-4150
DOI - 10.1002/pol.20200555
Subject(s) - materials science , composite material , extrusion , rheology , extrusion moulding , plasticizer , ductility (earth science) , polyester , creep
The development of biodegradable materials for tailored applications, particularly in the field of polymeric films and sheets, is a challenging technological goal as well as a contribution to help protect the environment. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) is a promising substitute for several oil‐based polymers; however, to overcome its thermal and mechanical drawbacks, researchers have developed solutions such as blending PLA with polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), which is capable of increasing the ductility of the final material. In this study, PLA/PBAT binary blends, with minimum possible content of nonrenewable materials, were examined from processing, thermal, morphological, and rheological perspective. An optimized PLA/PBAT ratio was chosen as the polymeric basis to obtain a biodegradable formulation by adding a biobased plasticizer and appropriate fillers to produce a micrometer film with tailored flexibility and tear resistance. The processing technology involved flat‐die extrusion, followed by calendering. The tearing resistance of the produced film was investigated, and the results were compared with literature data. A study on the essential work of fracture was implemented to explore the mode III out‐of‐plane fracture resistance starting from a trouser tear test.