Preparation and improving mechanism of PBAT/PPC-based micro-layer biodegradable mulch film with excellent water resistance and mechanical properties

Abstract

The utilization and implementation of biodegradable mulch film represent a highly effective approach to address the persistent pollution caused by non-degradable mulch film. However, the poor water resistance and insufficient mechanical properties strongly restrict its practical application. Here the PBAT/PPC-based multilayer biodegradable mulch films including 3-, 17-, 65-, and 257-layer, were manufactured successfully using a self-developed micro-layer blown film technology. The 65-layer film showed significant improvements in its mechanical and barrier properties, outperforming contrast the blend the film by 148 %, 168 %, and 203 % respectively in terms of puncture energy, tear energy, and water vapor barrier. The results obtained from DSC, WAXD, and SAXS analyses demonstrated a significant similarity in the crystalline structure of PBAT in various micro-layer films and the blend contrast film. Consequently, the robust mechanical and water barrier properties can be attributed to the ultrathin micro-layer structure, which dissipated energy during mechanical breakage by promoting substantial plastic deformation and blocked the water by forming a larger and more continuous phase of high barrier PPC. Briefly, the micro-layer mulch films, based on PBAT/PPC and fabricated using the self-developed micro-layer blown film technology, demonstrate exceptional mechanical strength and water resistance properties. Consequently, this research has the potential to garner interest within the biodegradable mulch film sector.