Biodegradable Blends Research Articles

Exploring the effect of hemp fibers’ addition on the properties of PLA/PPAd biodegradable blends

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a compostable aliphatic polymer with enhanced strength and toughness, and it is a promising material for packaging products. Polymer blending is a financially feasible and easy way to upgrade its properties, such as its slow degradation and crystallization rates and its modest elongation, and thus, make it more adaptable. Furthermore, the use of natural fibers as fillers can reinforce the biobased character of the final composite materials and enhance their antioxidant activity values, a crucial property of polymers that are addressed for active packaging. Herein, the influence of the addition of hemp fibers (HF) on the features of poly(lactic acid)/poly(propylene adipate) blends containing 85/15 w/w PLA/PPAd, was investigated. The utilization of a poly(lactic acid)-co-poly(propylene adipate) block copolymer (cop) as a compatibilizer was also examined. The thermal, morphological and mechanical assets of the composite materials were evaluated with the implementation of multiple techniques. The addition of HF enhanced the hydrophobicity and biodegradation of the composites, render them as candidates for several applications. Furthermore, the introduction of the compatibilizer successfully increases the adhesion between the polymeric matrices and the HF, resulting in enhanced properties.

Improving the tensile properties of hemicellulose/polylactic acid (PLA) blends prepared by solvent casting

AbstractThe development of new biopolymers has been explored as an alternative to improve the biodegradability of conventional synthetic plastics, such as those used in the packaging industry. Hemicelluloses are biodegradable polymers extracted from plants that, when combined with other biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA), can be easily processed and satisfy the mechanical requirements for commercial application. Thus, this work seeks a biodegradable blend that combines hemicellulose and PLA properties using solvent casting. The influence of hemicellulose content (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) on the thermal and mechanical properties was studied. For that purpose, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were applied to determine the thermal stability and crystallinity of the materials. Additionally, water uptake and mechanical tests provided information regarding the mechanical and hygroscopic behavior of the blends due to hemicellulose addition. As a result, the blends presented intermediate thermal stabilities between those of hemicellulose and PLA and increased crystallinities with hemicellulose content. The blends are more flexible and hygroscopic than PLA and more resistant than pure hemicellulose. Given the biodegradable nature of PLA and hemicellulose, these blends have the potential for application in sustainable packaging.

Effect of Peroxide Compounds on Biodegradable Blends Based on Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/Plasticized Cellulose Acetate

Effect of Peroxide Compounds on Biodegradable Blends Based on Poly(butylene adipate-<i>co</i>-terephthalate)/Plasticized Cellulose Acetate

The Effect of Zn2(BDC)2 Metal Organic Framework on the Miscibility and Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) Biodegradable Blends

In our research described in this paper, the metal-organic framework MOF-2 [Zn2(BDC)2] was used to enhance the properties of a biodegradable blend based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). PLA/PBAT/(1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%) MOF-2 blends were prepared using a melt blending technology with a twin-screw extruder. The phase morphology, rheological behavior and barrier properties of the blends were studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed a slight increase in the crystalline content of the PLA/PBAT matrix with increasing MOF-2 content. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the PLA/PBAT blend was immiscible, and the phase morphology improved with MOF-2 by enhancing the interfacial compatibility, reducing the size of micro-domains and cavities, and promoting a transition to a co-continuous morphology, indicating better miscibility. The ternary nanocomposites with 5 and 7 wt% MOF-2 showed increased complex viscosity (η*) and storage modulus (G′) compared to those with 1 and 3% MOF-2, indicating stronger percolated networks. The thermal and barrier properties and water absorption capacity were also improved, confirming the rheological measurements. All the results showed that the PLA/PBAT/MOF-2 nanocomposites could be used in the field of packaging.

Miscibility, crystallization and morphology in the novel polylactide/poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) blends

The novel marine degradable poly (4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB) synthesized by chemical technique could obviously improve the brittleness of polylactide (PLLA) via physical blending. However, the miscibility, crystallization and morphology in PLLA/P4HB blends are still unexplored. In this article, the PLLA/P4HB blends with different weight ratios were prepared by the solution casting method, followed by the melting crystallization treatment. The PLLA and P4HB were demonstrated to be miscible near the melting temperature of PLLA as revealed by the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter calculating by melting point depression method. Anyway, PLLA and P4HB are supposed to be immiscible at room temperature according to the interfacial tension, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. Both of PLLA and P4HB could form the highly crystalline crystals as casting from solution. The existence of P4HB could significantly induce the cold crystallization of PLLA on the second heating curves characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), showing of a sharp reduction in peak temperature of about 40 °C lower than that of pristine PLLA. The polarized optical microscopy (POM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation revealed that the P4HB phase could penetrate into the region between fibrous crystals of PLLA spherulites during the isothermal crystallization at 130 °C, and the P4HB fragmented crystals will form after cooling to room temperature, leading to the formation of vertical phase separation in PLLA/P4HB blends associating with the surface tension data. The findings will provide theoretical guidance to understand the miscibility in PLLA based fully biodegradable blends, modulating the morphology and properties of the blends.

Supertoughened biodegradable poly(L-lactic acid) by multiphase blends system: Crystallization, rheological and mechanical properties

To toughen brittle poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) were introduced into PLA matrix to prepared PLA/PHBH/PVAc ternary blends. PVAc was electively located in PLA matrix and refined phase morphology owing to better miscibility of PVAc with PLA than with PHBH. Increase in PVAc content decreased the crystallization rate and the crystallinity of PLA due to the dilution effect. More importantly, prominent enhancement of flexibility and toughness of PLA was obtained by the addition of PHBH and PVAc. Elongation at the break and impact strength of ternary blend with 10 wt% PVAc were 277 % and 326 % higher than that of neat PLA. Melt viscoelasticity of PLA was improved by incorporation of PHBH and PVAc. The combination of increased toughness and high melt viscoelasticity established in PLA biodegradable blends represent properties required in a wider range of applications.

Integrated optimization scheme for 3D printing of PLA-APHA biodegradable blends

Integrated optimization scheme for 3D printing of PLA-APHA biodegradable blends

Exploring the potential of poly (caprolactone) and guar gum biodegradable blend film: an investigation for supercapacitor

A biodegradable polymer electrolyte comprising poly (caprolactone) (PCL) and guar gum (GG) doped with lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) was investigated for its application in supercapacitors. The films’ thermal properties, surface morphology, and tensile strength were determined to understand the interaction between the blend system and the salt. Scanning electron microscopic images showed a network of GG channels across the polymer matrix. A unique combo of THF/water as solvent was used for this study as they bring out relaxation in GG segments and compatibility between GG and PCL. The blend polymer electrolyte (BPE) was characterized using conductivity, dielectric, and biodegradation studies. Supercapacitors were fabricated, and electrochemical studies were performed. The optimized BPE was used to fabricate supercapacitors, producing a specific capacitance of 125 F g−1. The time constant was measured at 0.8 s, and a consistent cyclic pattern was observed during galvanostatic charge/discharge studies with 96% Coulombic efficiency. This novel amalgamation of polymeric films holds immense promise for supercapacitor applications.

Mechanical and Rheological Evaluation of Polyester-Based Composites Containing Biochar.

The use of biodegradable polymers as matrices in composites gives a wide range of applications, especially in niche areas. The assessment of the effect of the filler content on the change of mechanical properties makes it possible to optimize the composition for specific needs. Biochar was used as a filler in the studied composites with two different biodegradable blends as a matrix. Poly(1,4-butylene adipate-co-1,4-butylene terephthalate)/polylactide/biochar (PBAT/PLA/BC) and polylactide/poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate]/biochar (PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB)/BC) composites with 0, 10, 15, 20 and 30 wt% of biochar underwent mechanical tests. The test results revealed a change in the properties of the composites related to the filler content. The results of the tensile test showed that increasing the biochar content increased the tensile modulus values by up to 100% for composites with 30 wt% of biochar, compared to unfilled matrices, and decreased the elongation associated with the breaking of PBAT/PLA and PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB) matrix composites. The elongation values at break of PBAT/PLA and PLA/(3HB-co-4HB) composites with 30 wt% biochar were reduced by 50% and 65%, respectively, compared to the unfilled matrices. PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB) matrix composites, in contrast to PBAT/PLA/BC, showed a decrease in tensile strength with the increases in filler content from 35.6 MPa for unfilled matrix to 27.1 MPa for PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB)/BC30 composites. An increase in filler content increased the brittleness of the composites regardless of the matrix used, as determined under the Charpy impact-test. This phenomenon was observed for all tested PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB) composites, for which the impact strength decreased from 4.47 kJ/m2 for the matrix to 1.61 kJ/m2 for the composite containing 30 wt% biochar. PBAT/PLA-based composites with 10 wt% of biochar showed slightly lower impact strength compared to the unfilled matrix, but composites with 30 wt% biochar showed 30% lower impact strength than PBAT/PLA. The complex viscosity value increased with increased filler content. For all composites tested on both polyester matrices, the viscosity decreased with increasing angular frequency.

Thermally-Activated Shape Memory Behavior of Biodegradable Blends Based on Plasticized PLA and Thermoplastic Starch.

Biodegradable blends based on plasticized poly(lactic acid) PLA and thermoplastic starch (TPS) have been obtained. The influence of the PLA plasticizer as a compatibility agent has been studied by using two different plasticizers such as neat oligomeric lactic acid (OLA) and functionalized with maleic acid (mOLA). In particular, the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties have been studied as well as the shape memory ability of the melt-processed materials. Therefore, the influence of the interaction between different plasticizers and the PLA matrix as well as the compatibility between the two polymeric phases on the thermally-activated shape memory properties have been studied. It is very interesting to use the same additive able to act as both plasticizer and compatibilizer, decreasing the glass transition temperature of PLA to a temperature close to the physiological one, obtaining a material suitable for potential biomedical applications. In particular, we obtain that OLA-plasticized blend (oPLA/TPS) show very good thermally-activated capability at 45 °C and 50% deformation, while the blend obtained by using maleic OLA (moPLA/TPS) did not show shape memory behavior at 45 °C and 50% deformation. This fact is due to their morphological changes and the loss of two well-distinguished phases, one acting as fixed phase and the other one acting as switching phase to typically obtain shape memory response. Therefore, the thermally-activated shape memory results show that it is very important to make a balance between plasticizer and compatibilizer, considering the need of two well-established phases to obtain shape memory response.

Performance evaluation of biodegradable polymer PHBV and PBAT blends with adjustable melt flow behaviour, heat deflection temperature, and morphological transition

AbstractMelt blending is a reliable and well‐demonstrated strategy for improving the mechanical, thermal, rheological, and surface properties of biopolymers. Poly(hydroxy‐3‐butyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) are the two popular choices for blending polymers due to their diverse properties and complementary soil biodegradable behaviour. Due to their immiscibility, however, blending with the help of processing additives is necessary to reap the most significant benefits from this process and to avoid immiscibility issues. This study utilized the additives (peroxides and epoxy‐based chain extender) to compatibilize the biodegradable polymers PHBV and PBAT in a 60:40 blending ratio. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the PHBV/PBAT(60/40) blend were improved by 32% and 64%, respectively, after adding a combination of peroxide (0.02 phr) and chain extender (0.3 phr) due to the formation of a complex network structure with increased chain length. The positive effect of an additive addition was also reflected by a 30°C increment in heat deflection temperature of biodegradable blend due to its high modulus value as supported by mechanical properties. The combined action of a peroxide and chain extender demonstrated a significantly higher complex viscosity of the PHBV/PBAT(60/40) blend due to the formation of a crosslinked polymer network as analyzed by rheological analysis. Our research demonstrated the effect of additives and their combined impact on analytical properties of PHBV/PBAT(60/40) blend to guide future work in improving their candidature to serve as a drop‐in solution in replacing non‐biodegradable petro‐based plastic products.

High-performance and functional fully bio-based polylactic acid/polypropylene carbonate blends by in situ multistep reaction-induced interfacial control

Using a solvent-free radical grafting technique, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and maleic anhydride (MAH) were used as functionalized graft monomers, styrene (St) as a copolymer monomer, and grafted onto polylactic acid (PLA). A series of PLA-g-(GMA/MAH-co-St) graft copolymers were prepared by adjusting the GMA/MAH ratio. Subsequently, the prepared graft copolymers were used as a compatibilizer with PLA and polypropylene carbonate (PPC) for melt blending to prepare PLA/PPC/PLA-g-(GMA/MAH-co-St) blends. The effects of changes in the GMA/MAH ratio in the graft copolymer on the thermodynamics, rheology, optics, degradation performance, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the blend were studied. The results found that GMA, MAH, and St were successfully grafted onto PLA, and the PLA-g-(GMA/MAH-co-St) graft copolymer obtained from the reaction had a good toughening effect on the PLA/PPC blend system, which significantly improved the mechanical properties of the PLA/PPC/PLA-g-(GMA/MAH-co-St) blend without reducing its degradation performance, resulting in a biodegradable blend material with excellent comprehensive performance. In the PLA-g-(GMA/MAH-co-St) grafting reaction system, when GMA/MAH = 1.5/1.5 (w/w), the grafting degree of the graft copolymer increased most significantly, from 0.83 phr to 1.51 phr. This composition of graft copolymer can effectively improve the compatibility between PLA and PPC. The resulting PLA/PPC blend can maintain good melt flow properties (MFR of 14.51 g/10 min), high transparency, and low haze (light transmittance of 91.56 %, haze of 20.5 %), while significantly improving its thermal stability (T95%, Tmax, and Et increased by 12.87 °C, 20.33 °C, and 32.00 kJ/mol, respectively). Moreover, when introducing PLA-g-(GMA/MAH-co-St) (GMA/MAH = 1.5/1.5 (wt/wt)) graft copolymer into the system, the toughness of the PLA/PPC/PLA-g-(GMA/MAH-co-St) blend system is optimal, with the notch impact strength and fracture elongation increasing to 184.6 % and 535.4 % of the PLA/PPC blend, respectively, at which point the fracture surface of the impact sample shows a wrinkled fracture feature indicative of toughness.

Petal-like Patterning of Polylactide/Poly (Butylene Succinate) Thin Films Induced by Phase Separation.

Biodegradable plastics are attracting attention as a solution to the problems caused by plastic waste. Among biodegradable plastics, polylactide (PLA) and poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) are particularly noteworthy because of their excellent biodegradability. However, the drawbacks of their mechanical properties prompts the need to compound them to achieve the desired strength. The characteristics of the interface of the composite material determine the realization of its final performance. The study of the interface and microstructure of composites is essential for the development of products from degradable polymers. The morphology evolution and microcrystal structure of spin-casted fully biodegradable (PLA/PBS) blend films were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanomechanical mapping. Results show that intact blend films present an obvious phase separation, where the PBS phase is uniformly dispersed in the PLA phase in the form of pores. Furthermore, the size and number of the PBS phase have a power exponential relationship and linear relationship with PBS loading, respectively. Intriguingly, after annealing at 80 °C for 30 min, the PLA phase formed an orderly petal-like microcrystalline structure centered on the PBS phase. Moreover, the microcrystalline morphology changed from a "daisy type" to a "sunflower type" with the increased size of the PBS phase. Since the size of the PBS phase is controllable, a new method for preparing microscopic patterns using fully biodegradable polymers is proposed.

Effect of chain extender on the morphological, rheological and mechanical properties of biodegradable blends from PBAT and P34HB

Effect of chain extender on the morphological, rheological and mechanical properties of biodegradable blends from PBAT and P34HB

Effect of Incorporation of Graphene Nanoplatelets on Physicochemical, Thermal, Rheological, and Mechanical Properties of Biobased and Biodegradable Blends.

This work aimed to study the effect of the incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets (GRA 0.5% and 1% (w/w)) on the matrices of biobased polymers composed of starch-based materials (B20) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) using pine rosin (RES) as a compatibilizer. Three formulations were produced (B20/RES/PBS, B20/RES/PBS/GRA0.5%, and B20/RES/PBS/GRA1%), and their mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, hardness, and impact), rheological behavior, thermal properties (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)), chemical analysis (Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy), and contact angle were evaluated. Hardness (Shore D), tensile, and flexural moduli increased, whereas elongation at break and toughness decreased as GRA content increased. FTIR studies strongly supported the existence of interactions between polymeric matrices and the large surface area of GRA. The viscosity flow curves were well fitted to the Cross-Williams-Landel-Ferry (Cross-WLF) model, and the three formulations exhibited non-Newtonian (shear-thinning) behavior. The analysis of water contact angles indicated that the formulation surfaces have hydrophilic behavior. All the samples are thermally stable, and the results of this study can be used to optimize the application of biobased graphene-based composites for applications in injection molding industries.

Antistatic and antimicrobial packaging of PLA/PHBV blend‐based graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposites

AbstractGraphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were used as a filler for the preparation of antistatic and antimicrobial packaging based on biodegradable blends of poly(acid lactic)/poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PLA/PHBV) for the electronic components industry. These packages must have low electrical resistivity and mechanical resistance. The use of biodegradable polymers helps to reduce waste and the addition of GNP can also contribute to antimicrobial activity. In this work, the effect of the addition of GNP on the thermal, mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic properties, and antimicrobial activity of the PLA/PHVB blend was evaluated. PLA/PHBV (80/20) blends with the addition of 1, 3, and 5 wt% of GNP were prepared by melt mixing using extrusion and injection‐mold processes. The samples were characterized by mechanical tests (tensile test, and Shore D hardness), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis), impedance spectroscopy, electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency (EMI SE), antimicrobial activity, and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy. In general, the addition of GNP contributes to the increase in elastic modulus and Shore D hardness. The percolation threshold was obtained with the addition of 3 or 5 wt% of GNP in the PLA/PHBV blend with a reduction of 3 orders of magnitude in the electrical resistivity, which can be applied to antistatic packaging. All the nanocomposites exhibited antimicrobial activity, and the addition of 5 wt% GNP inhibited 86% of the growth of Escherichia coli. The PLA/PHBV blend‐based GNP nanocomposite with the addition of 5 wt% of GNP presents the best balance of mechanical properties, with low electrical resistivity, greater total shielding effectiveness of EMI SE, and antimicrobial activity.

Investigation of physical and rheological properties of LDPE/HDPE/thermoplastic starch biodegradable blend films

AbstractIn this work, low‐density polyethylene/high‐density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch (LDPE/HDPE/TS) films were prepared with different compositions to obtain environmentally friendly materials. LDPE/HDPE/TS blends, at ratios of 95:5:15, 90:10:15, 85:15:15, 85:15:20, 85:15:25, and 85:15:30, were processed into thin films by a single‐step single‐screw extrusion. Fourier transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs confirmed the immiscibility of matrices and TS in the blend. In the SEM images, relatively good surface adhesion between matrix and starch was observed due to the presence of HDPE and glycerol in blends at low TS content. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis depicted an increase in the percentage of crystallinity with increasing HDPE. Starch presence in the blend had a more pronounced effect on the crystallization of HDPE when compared to LDPE with the long chain branching. Water absorption of the samples decreased with increasing HDPE and increased with TS content. The rheological properties of LDPE/HDPE/TS blends were investigated before and after biodegradation. Results were fitted with well‐known rheological models to achieve more valuable data about the effect of the composition as well degradation condition on the blend property. By adding HDPE in the blends, rheological properties close to the neat LDPE were obtained for LDPE/HDPE/TS films in the melt state.

Designing Sustainable Polymer Blends: Tailoring Mechanical Properties and Degradation Behaviour in PHB/PLA/PCL Blends in a Seawater Environment

Biodegradable polyesters are a popular choice for both packaging and medical device manufacture owing to their ability to break down into harmless components once they have completed their function. However, commonly used polyesters such as poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL), while readily available and have a relatively low price compared to other biodegradable polyesters, do not meet the degradation profiles required for many applications. As such, this study aimed to determine if the mechanical and degradation properties of biodegradable polymers could be tailored by blending different polymers. The seawater degradation mechanisms were evaluated, revealing surface erosion and bulk degradation in the blends. The extent of degradation was found to be dependent on the specific chemical composition of the polymer and the blend ratio, with degradation occurring via hydrolytic, enzymatic, oxidative, or physical pathways. PLA presents the highest tensile strength (67 MPa); the addition of PHB and PCL increased the flexibility of the samples; however, the tensile strength reduced to 25.5 and 18 MPa for the blends 30/50/20 and 50/25/25, respectively. Additionally, PCL presented weight loss of up to 10 wt.% and PHB of up to 6 wt.%; the seawater degradation in the blends occurs by bulk and surface erosion. The blending process facilitated the flexibility of the blends, enabling their use in diverse industrial applications such as medical devices and packaging. The proposed methodology produced biodegradable blends with tailored properties within a seawater environment. Additionally, further tests that fully track the biodegradation process should be put in place; incorporating compatibilizers might promote the miscibility of different polymers, improving their mechanical properties and biodegradability.

Tailor-made coextruded blown films based on biodegradable blends for hot filling and frozen food packaging

Biodegradable polymers still have severe limitations in their application over wide temperature ranges. In this study, we developed coextruded bilayer biodegradable packaging suitable for either hot-filling and frozen food products. The films were realized by combining an inner layer, made of Ecovio and amorphous poly(lactide) (PLA4060) blend, providing high ductility and sealability, with an outer layer made of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and semicrystalline PLA4032 blend, contributing to barrier properties and thermal resistance. The concentration of each blend was optimized for the target application based on preliminary chemical-physical investigations. Then, three bilayer structures with different relative thicknesses of the layers were realized and analyzed for their mechanical, barrier, wettability, sealability and overall migration properties in the −18÷85 °C temperature range, to check their compliance with the needs of food packaging applications involving both thermal treatment and freezing. The coextruded films had functional performance generally intermediate those of the single layers and weighted on their relative thicknesses, and overall migration values complying the limits of Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 for plastic packaging intended for both hot filling process and long-term frozen food storage. Among all, the most suitable structure for the target application was the bilayer film with the largest thickness of the outer layer (i.e. 50 µm), which showed the best balance between stiffness and ductility in the explored temperature range. In particular, it displayed the lowest lowering of elastic modulus at 85 °C, which becomes equal to 135 MPa, and an elongation at break equal to 40 % at −18 °C.

Melt Processible Biodegradable Blends of Polyethylene Glycol Plasticized Cellulose Diacetate with Polylactic Acid and Polybutylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate

Enhancing the melt processability of cellulose is key to broadening its applications. This is done via derivatization of cellulose, and subsequent plasticization and/or blending with other biopolymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT). However, derivatization of cellulose tends to reduce its biodegradability. Moreover, traditional plasticizers are non-biodegradable. In this study, we report the influence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) plasticizer on the melt processibility and biodegradability of cellulose diacetate (CD) and its blends with PLA and PBAT. CD was first plasticized with PEG (PEG-200) at 35 wt%, and then blended with PLA and PBAT using a twin-screw extruder. Blends of the PEG plasticized CD with PLA at 40 wt% and with PBAT at 60 wt% were studied in detail. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that PEG reduced the glass transition of the CD from ca. 220 °C to less than 100 °C, indicating effective plasticization. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the CD/PEG-PBAT blend had a smoother morphology implying some miscibility. The CD/PEG-PBAT blend at 60 wt% PBAT had an elongation-to-break of 734%, whereas the CD/PEG-PLA blend had a tensile strength of 20.6 MPa, comparable to that of the PEG plasticized CD. After a 108-day incubation period under simulated aerobic composting, the CD/PEG-PBAT blend at 60 wt% PBAT exhibited a biodegradation of 41%, whereas that of the CD/PEG-PLA at 40 wt% PLA was 107%. This study showed that melt processible, biodegradable CD blends can be synthesized through plasticization with PEG and blending with PBAT or PLA.