Incorporation of Large-Scale Prepared Poly(ethylene oxalate) into Biodegradable Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Blown Films with Enhanced Mechanical and Barrier Performance

Abstract

With the breakthrough of large-scale production of poly(ethylene oxalate) (PEOx) engineering technology, the promising sustainable polyoxalate material with high mechanical strength and marine degradability processes the feasibility of commercialization. By blending PEOx produced in 150 L pilot polymerization systems with commercial poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) polyester, followed by a film-blowing process, the compatibility, mechanical properties, barrier properties, particularly the marine degradability, were systematically studied. Results revealed that adding the appropriate amount of PEOx as rigid particles could significantly enhance the comprehensive performance of the PBAT/PEOx blend films. More appealingly, the preferential hydrolysis of the PEOx component caused the surface of the blend film to break more easily in the marine environments, creating conditions for further degradation of the blend matrix. Additionally, the subsequent bag-making and food preservation process also proved that the film material is a potential candidate for broader commercial applications. Accordingly, for commercial applications of plastics, the PBAT/PEOx blend film is a valuable marine-degradable material in terms of environmental and economic sustainability.