Preparation and properties of binary green blends from poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) and β-(1,3)-d-glucan ester derivative

Abstract

Propionate-hexanoate mix ester of paramylon (PaPrHe), a bio-based β-(1,3)- d -glucan photosynthesized by Euglena, was blended with poly(butylene succinate- co -adipate) (PBSA) and analysed for its physical properties. The morphology of the blend was revealed using a combination of selective enzymatic etching and SEM. The morphology changed from phase separated to co-continuous and then uniform dispersion with increasing PBSA content. In particular, the 10% PaPrHe loading had a unique sub-micron level dispersion with a median particle diameter of 0.6 μm. This ratio also had the highest toughness (67.3 kJ/m 2 ) among all the ratios, surpassing even neat PBSA (53.2 kJ/m 2 ). X-ray analyses of thermally stretched films showed high degree of orientation (94%) and crystallinity in the PBSA rich blends, leading to a 160–400% increase in the tensile strength. All the blend ratios had high thermal stability and melt-processability making the PBSA/PaPrHe green blend a sustainable alternative for packaging and mulch-film applications. • Bio-based blends from PaPrHe and PBSA were prepared using melt-extrusion. • 90/10 PBSA/PaPrHe had a sub-micron level dispersion with median particle dia: 0.6 μm. • The elongation at break and toughness could be tuned based on PBSA loading. • X-ray analyses of stretched films show high degree of orientation and crystallinity. • All the blend ratios had high thermal stability suitable for several applications.