Abstract
Biodegradable polymers concern an important topic for innovation in materials as they are supposed to contribute to the reduction of the amount of waste materials which lead to microplastics with similar properties as conventional polymer materials. Poly(butylene succinate) and poly(lactic acid) blends are polymers with interesting properties offering possible alternatives to some conventional petrochemicals-sourced polymers. Some of the physical properties of such blends can be tailored from the addition of small amounts of deep eutectic solvents which can act as compatibilizers, i.e. interfacial agents between PBS and PLA. In our study, materials formulated with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) having a coarse morphology according to the dispersed particles sizes display thermal and mechanical properties close to the non-compatibilized PBS/PLA blends but a higher ability to biodegrade. Biodegradation experiments showed that PBS/PLA/DES exhibits higher weight losses and faster fragmentation under conventional conditions. A significant decrease of PLA melting temperature under composting conditions, i.e. at 58°C, is observed indicating that PLA phase is the component mainly concerned. As a conclusion, this work demonstrates that morphologies as well as the biodegradability process can be tailored by adding a small amount of a deep eutectic solvent in such biosourced polymer blends. Indeed, designing polymer materials, for which degradation processes are targeted in the dispersed phase, i.e. in multiple locations of the material, could be an efficient route to “predegraded” phases in a polymer matrix in order to accelerate macroscopic biodegradation.
Highlights
Plastics are everywhere in our everyday life and, in our natural environment, where their chemical stability can be considered as a main drawback
poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends were processed with addition of a deep eutectic solvents (DESs), i.e., choline chloride/glycerol, which could act as a compatibilizer
It was observed that the PLA dispersed phase in the PBS matrix exists as larger domains when DES is added to the PBS/PLA blends compared to the neat PBS/PLA blend
Summary
Plastics are everywhere in our everyday life and, in our natural environment, where their chemical stability can be considered as a main drawback. Combination of life properties, i.e., properties required for their use and controlled end-of-life, is a major scientific challenge offered to polymer scientists. In this perspective, bio-based polymers such as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and PLA can offer a good balance between mechanical and thermal properties and ability to biodegrade as they are dispersed in air, soil, or water media. PBS and its copolymers are of interest as they are able to biodegrade in various environments (Xu and Guo, 2010; Zeng et al, 2016). PBS/PLA material that are at least partially bio-sourced and biodegradable can be used as agricultural mulching films, stretch films, bags, and kitchenware, for example (Livi et al, 2018)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
