PBAT Films Research Articles

Effects of Film Mulching on Soil Quality, Garlic Yield, and Garlic Quality

To determine the optimal film management technique for garlic planting, this study aimed to investigate the effects of various film cover methods on soil quality and garlic yield in garlic cropping systems. To achieve these goals, trials with different film cover methods were conducted at the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Nanjing. To investigate the impact of changes in soil quality and garlic yield, we set up four treatments： no film treatment （CK）, black polyethylene film treatment （HPE）, black poly（butylene- adipate-co-terephthalate） （PBAT） with straw composite film treatment （HSJ）, and white PBAT film treatment （BJ） in a garlic cropping system. Our results indicated that specific mulch coverings had a positive effect on both soil quality and garlic yield. The film cover treatments resulted in significant changes in soil physicochemical properties and bacterial and fungal biomasses and indirectly improved soil quality. Compared to that under the no film treatment, the BJ treatment boosted soil quality by 70%, with the most significant impact, followed by that under the HPE and HSJ treatments, with improvements of 52% and 36%. Random forest modeling indicated that soil organic matter and total nitrogen were the most important factors influencing soil quality. The different film covers significantly increased the diameter of garlic bulbs and single quality. The HSJ treatment exhibited the most significant increase in garlic yield, with 46%, 19%, and 6% improvement compared to that in the CK, HPE, and BJ treatments, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that soil quality under film cover was significantly correlated with the starch content of garlic bulbs, garlic diameter, and single quality. This study highlights that selecting the appropriate mulch film aids in the production of garlic and helps to develop farmland that produces both high-quality and high-yield crops.

A new and easy-to-implement green packaging option with recycled paperboard and PBAT film

A commercial recycled paperboard was double coated with poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) films by using hot pressing aiming the production of a laminated material compatible with food packaging. The proposed new approach allowed to smooth the paperboard surface and to obtain a material with low oxygen permeability, low wettability, and excellent resistance to grease (kit value of 12). The observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a homogeneous surface with a high degree of coverage, suggesting good compatibility of the PBAT with the cellulose fibers. Some of the mechanical properties of the PBAT-coated paperboard were also greatly improved, such as ply-bonding, bending resistance and bursting strength, which are important for packaging applications. Remarkably, it was possible to firmly bond two pieces of paperboard coated with PBAT by simply hot-pressing at an appropriate temperature. This method created a reinforced coated paperboard that showed high potential to be used in the production of laminated food packaging with different structures without the need of adhesives.

Enhancing PBAT nanocomposite films: The impact of AgVO3 nanorods on mechanical, hydrophobicity, and antibacterial properties

AbstractPoly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is popular because of its low cost, biodegradability, good processing properties, flexibility, and mechanical features. In this study, we explore the potential of PBAT‐based bioplastics by adding AgVO3 nanorods with PBAT to reduce costs. We produced nanocomposite films of PBAT reinforced with 1, 3, and 5 wt% of AgVO3 nanorods using solvent casting. The inclusion of AgVO3 in the structure of PBAT was investigated through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The nanocomposite films demonstrate excellent properties, surpassing those of single‐component blends, enhancing mechanical properties, and improving the barrier properties of nanocomposite films. The water vapor transmission rate of AgVO3 reinforced (5 wt%) nanocomposite films improved by 42.45% compared to pure PBAT films. The tensile strength of the PBA‐3 film was 37.19 MPa, exhibiting higher strength than the films produced from clean PBAT (19.73 MPa). The AgVO3‐reinforced films demonstrated increased resistance to moisture and water, as indicated by their higher water contact angle values (88.04°). Food‐borne bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli have been stable to the antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites on the addition of AgVO3.The potential applications of these nanocomposite films in food packaging are promising, offering a sustainable and effective solution to food preservation.Highlights The AgVO3‐filled poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) nanocomposite films exhibit superior mechanical, barrier, and resistance to moisture and water compared to neat PBAT films. The water vapor transmission rate of the film is significantly enhanced, with a 42.45% enhancement in films reinforced with 5 wt% AgVO3. AgVO3‐filled PBAT nanocomposites demonstrate effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Green composites for sustainable food packaging: Exploring the influence of lignin-TiO2 nanoparticles on poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a common pigment used in food packaging to provide a transparent appearance to plastic packaging materials. In the present study, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) incorporated with lignin-TiO2 nanoparticles (L-TiO2) eco-friendly composite films was prepared by employing an inexpensive melting and hot-pressing technique. The P-L-TiO2 composite films have been studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The FTIR results and homogeneous, dense SEM images confirm the interaction of L-TiO2 with the PBAT matrix. It has also been found that the addition of L-TiO2 nanoparticles can increase the crystallinity, tensile strength, and thermal stability of PBAT. The addition of L-TiO2 increased the tensile strength and decreased the elongation at break of films. The maximum tensile strength of the film, achieved with 5 wt% L-TiO2, was 47.0 MPa, compared with 24.3 MPa for pure PBAT film. The composite film with 5 wt% L-TiO2 has outstanding oxygen and water vapor barrier properties. As the content of lignin-TiO2 increases, the antimicrobial activity of the composite films also increases; the percentage of growth of all the tested bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) is significantly reduced. Strawberries were packed to evaluate the suitability of produced composite films as packaging materials, as they effectively preserved pigments from accumulation and extended the shelf-life as compared to commercial polyethylene packaging film.

Reactively Processed Poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) Composite–Based Multilayered Films with Improved Properties for Sustainable Packaging Applications: Structural Characterization and Biodegradation Mechanism

AbstractIn this study, it is attempted to enhance the properties and biodegradability of poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) using nanocomposite technology to meet the demand for sustainable packaging applications. Two nanoclays containing PBAT composites are reactively processed and integrated into the multilayered films. Reactive processing facilitates the dispersion and distribution of nanoclay particles in the PBAT matrix. The multilayered films comprising reactively processed PBAT composites exhibited a 24.5%–31.5% reduction in the oxygen transmission rate and improved dimensional stability and tensile properties. Moreover, the degradability of the multilayered film comprising reactively processed PBAT composites reached 82% in 180 days. In contrast, a neat PBAT film of similar thickness attained only 53% degradation in the same period. The biodegradation mechanism is proposed based on the topology of the disintegrated films studied using scanning electron microscopy, chemical bond vibrations determined by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and structural evolution by small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SWAXS). The SWAXS analysis is used to understand the changes in the degree of crystallinity, long‐range periodic order, and crystalline and amorphous layer thickness of the multilayered films before and after degradation. Such multilayered films can find applications where packaging or biomedical devices cannot be recycled.

PBAT/lignin-ZnO composite film for food packaging: Photo-stability, better barrier and antibacterial properties

When PBAT used as film, stability deteriorates under sunlight exposure, the poor barrier and antibacterial properties are also limiting its application. In this work, lignin-ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method, as additives to fill the PBAT matrix. In addition, PBAT-lignin-ZnO composite films were successfully prepared by melting and hot-pressing method. It is found that lignin could well dispersed the ZnO when its implantation into PBAT films, and lignin-ZnO not only maintaining tensile strength and thermal stability, but also could prompt PBAT's crystallinity. Especially, P-L-ZnO-2 composite films have good photostability. After 60 h aging, it can still maintain good molecular weight, chemical structure and mechanical properties. Besides, these composite films have improved hydrophobicity, barrier and antibacterial properties, could prevent mildew and significantly reduce the weight loss rate, color difference and hardness changes of strawberries during storage. This work provides a potential film material for outdoor applications and food packaging.

Characterization of Calotropis gigantiea plant leaves biomass-based bioplasticizers for biofilm applications

The present surge in environmental consciousness has pushed for the use of biodegradable plasticizers, which are sustainable and abundant in plant resources. As a result of their biocompatibility and biodegradability, Calotropis gigantiea leaf plasticizers (CLP) serve as viable alternatives to chemical plasticizers. First time, the natural plasticizers from the Calotropis leaves were extracted for this study using a suitable chemical approach that was also environmentally friendly. The XRD results showed a reduced crystallinity index of 20.2 % and a crystalline size of 5.3 nm, respectively. TGA study revealed that the CLP has good thermal stability (244 °C). Through FT-IR study, the existence of organic compounds in CLP can be investigated by key functional groups such as alcohol, amine, amide, hydrocarbon, alkene, aromatic, etc. Further the presence of alcoholic, amino, and carboxyl constituents was confirmed by UV investigation. SEM, EDAX analysis, and AFM are used to examine the surface morphology of the isolated plasticizer. SEM pictures reveal rough surfaces on the CLP surface pores, which makes them suitable for plasticizing new bioplastics with improved mechanical properties. Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), a biodegradable polymer matrix, was used to investigate the plasticization impact after the macromolecules were characterised. The biofilm PBAT/CLP had a thickness of 0.8 mm. In addition, the reinforcement interface was examined using scanning electron microscopy. When CLP is loaded differently in PBAT, the tensile strength and young modulus change from 15.30 to 24.60 MPa and from 137 to 168 MPa, respectively. CLP-reinforced films demonstrated better surface compatibility and enhanced flexibility at a loading of 2 % when compared to pure PBAT films. Considering several documented characteristics, CLP may prove to be an excellent plasticizer for resolving environmental issues in the future.

Biodegradation behavior of poly (glycolic acid) (PGA) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blend films in simulation marine environment

Polyglycolic acid (PGA) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), as widely applied biodegradable polymers, the degradation behavior of their blends in marine environments has not been proven. This study investigated the changes of macroscopic and microscopic morphology, thermal properties, crystalline and chemical structure, degradation rate of PGA/PBAT blends with different ratios in the simulation marine environment containing sediments and marine organisms. The results showed that degradation primarily occurred due to ester bond breakage, and PGA exhibited a faster degradation rate than PBAT films. The amorphous region degraded more rapidly than the crystalline region, and the thermal stability of the materials decreased. The degradation of PGA and PBAT blends followed their respective single degradation laws and the compatibility of blend samples decreased after degradation. The degradation rate of the samples was obtained by measuring the biochemical oxygen demand, which indicated that a higher PGA content could result in a faster degradation rate for PGA/PBAT films. This study provides an efficient method for constructing materials with controlled biodegradability.

Preparation and properties of triphenyl octylphosphonium bromide‐modified vermiculite and its PBAT composite films

AbstractAs living standards improve, there is a growing demand for fresher, healthier and more sustainable food options, with a concomitant challenge to develop new biodegradable packaging. This investigation centres around the synthesis of quaternary phosphonium salt (triphenyl octylphosphonium bromide P8) and use it to modify vermiculite (VMT). The structure of P8 was determined using both NMR and FTIR. The structural investigation and performance analysis of P8‐modified vermiculite (P8@VMT) were carried out by particle size, XRD, FTIR and microstructure. In addition, P8@VMT/PBAT composite films were prepared by solution method using PBAT as matrix material and P8@VMT as filler. The properties of P8@VMT/PBAT composite films were compared to those of pure PBAT films using TGA, DSC, SEM, and antibacterial tests. Results showed that the melting and crystallization temperatures of P8@VMT/PBAT composite films were higher than those of pure PBAT films. However, increasing the content of P8@VMT led to a decrease in thermal stability as well as melting enthalpy, crystallization enthalpy, and crystallinity. On the other hand, loss modulus, storage modulus, and complex viscosity significantly increased with the addition of P8@VMT. Compared to pure PBAT film, P8@VMT/PBAT‐20% composites exhibited a 19.6% reduction in tensile strength and a 94.7% decrease in elongation at break due to the presence of quaternary phosphonium salt (P8) used as a modifier for VMT during melt blending method preparation.Highlights Quaternary phosphonium salt P8 was successfully synthesized. PBAT/P8@VMT composite films with different P8@VMT were prepared. P8@VMT improves compatibility between VMT and PBAT. PBAT/P8@VMT composite films have antimicrobial effects. The PBAT/P8@VMT composite films are biodegradable.

A study on the performance, structure, composition, and release behavior changes of polybutylene adipate terephthalic acid (PBAT) film during food contact

Polybutylene adipate terephthalic acid (PBAT) is an emerging biodegradable material in food packaging. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential hazards it could pose to food safety. In this study, the changes of PBAT films during food contact and the release of small molecules were inestigated by a multiscale approach. On a macro-scale, the surface roughness of the films increased with the reduction in the concentration of food simulants and the increase in contact temperatures, especially after immersion in acidic food environments. On a micro-scale, the crystallinity (Xc) and degradation indexes (DI) of the films increased by 5.7–61.2% and 7.8–48.6%, respectively, which led to a decrease in thermal stability. On a scale approaching the molecular level, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) was detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) with the highest migration content, and the release behavior of 2,4-DTBP was further investigated by migration kinetics. In addition, terephthalic acid (TPA), a hydrolysis product of PBAT, was detected in acidic food environments by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results of this study could provide practical guidance and assistance to promote sustainable development in the field of food packaging.

Modified Composite Biodegradable Mulch for Crop Growth and Sustainable Agriculture.

Using biodegradable films as a substitute for conventional polyolefin films has emerged as a crucial technology to combat agricultural white pollution. To address the shortcomings in the tensile strength, water vapor barrier properties, and degradation period of PBAT-based biodegradable films, this investigation aimed to create a composite film that could improve the diverse properties of PBAT films. To achieve this, a PBAT/PLA-PPC-PTLA ternary blend system was introduced in the study. The system effectively fused PBAT with PLA and PPC, as evidenced by electron microscopy tests showing no apparent defects on the surface and cross-section of the blended film. The developed ternary blend system resulted in a 58.62% improvement in tensile strength, a 70.33% enhancement in water vapor barrier properties, and a 30-day extension of the functional period compared to pure PBAT biodegradable films. Field experiments on corn crops demonstrated that the modified biodegradable film is more suitable for agricultural production, as it improved thermal insulation and moisture retention, leading to a 5.45% increase in corn yield, approaching the yield of traditional polyolefin films.

Eco-Friendly Poly (Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) Coated Bi-Layered Films: An Approach to Enhance Mechanical and Barrier Properties.

In this research work, a coated paper was prepared with poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) film to explore its use in eco-friendly food packaging. The paper was coated with PBAT film for packaging using hot pressing, a production method currently employed in the packaging industry. The coated papers were evaluated for their structural, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. The structural morphology and chemical analysis of the coated paper confirmed the consistent formation of PBAT bi-layered on paper surfaces. Surface coating with PBAT film increased the water resistance of the paper samples, as demonstrated by tests of barrier characteristics, including the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), oxygen transmission rate (OTR), and water contact angle (WCA) of water drops. The transmission rate of the clean paper was 2010.40 cc m-2 per 24 h for OTR and 110.24 g m-2 per 24 h for WVTR. If the PBAT-film was coated, the value decreased to 91.79 g m-2 per 24 h and 992.86 cc m-2 per 24 h. The hydrophobic nature of PBAT, confirmed by WCA measurements, contributed to the enhanced water resistance of PBAT-coated paper. This result presents an improved PBAT-coated paper material, eliminating the need for adhesives and allowing for the fabrication of bi-layered packaging.

Biodegradable packing food films based on PBAT containing ZnO and MoO3

AbstractMolybdenum trioxide (MoO3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were incorporated into the poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix using casting method to obtain packing films for food transportation with outstanding properties and no formation of microplastics. Consequently, these films were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, time domain and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance, x‐ray diffraction, contact angle measurement, and thermogravimetric analysis. The light barrier properties of the films were analyzed using transmittance mode in UV–VIS–NIR regions and the contact angle of composite films exhibited greater hydrophilicity compared to the pure polymer films. Regardless of the concentration, the fillers did not significantly modify the degradation onset temperature and the temperature of maximum degradation rate. However, ZnO caused a new thermal degradation event (around 330°C) that was not observed in the other films, possibly due to the second crystallization process. Composite films filled with 0.3% ZnO, 0.3% and 0.5% MoO3 showed greater molecular homogeneity than the pure polymer matrix, with the PBAT/MoO3 films demonstrating even greater homogeneity than PBAT/ZnO films; this response presumably comes from the satisfactory intermolecular interaction or adequate dispersion and distribution of the particles. The addition of 0.5% MoO3 in the matrix influenced the PBAT film, resulting in amorphous materials with the highest molecular mobility and opacity. Besides, in view of antimicrobial tests, all nanocomposites showed potential bacteriostatic activity. So, it can be conveniently used for food transportation and may avoid microplastic formation, after been discarded.

Development of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) composites with high thermal oxidation stability using Chrysanthemum morifolium extract as a natural additive

AbstractPoly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is one of the solutions to the energy crisis and white pollution. However, the poor thermo‐oxidative stability limits its wide applications. In this work, Chrysanthemum morifolium extract (CME) as a natural additive was used to modify the PBAT. The oxidation onset temperature (OOT) results showed that the CME could provide PBAT with high thermal oxidation stability. By the presence of 2.5 wt% CME, the OOT value of PBAT‐CME2.5 increased by 52°C compared with the neat PBAT. The outstanding antioxidant capacity is attributed to the excellent free radical quenching capacity of CME, whose main components consist of six kinds of phenolic compounds. Moreover, the PBAT‐CME1.5 composite could achieve the balance between the mechanical property and thermo‐oxidative stability, the OOT result of PBAT‐CME1.5 increased by 42°C, the tensile strength reached 103.1%, and the elongation at break could retain 91.4% of that of neat PBAT. Besides, the processing property, degradation performance, and surface hydrophobic nature of modified PBAT samples were all improved. This work proposes a facile method to obtain completely natural biodegradable composites to expand the practical applications of PBAT.Highlights The main components in CME are phenolic compounds. CME showed high free radical scavenging efficiency. CME improved the thermal oxidation stability of the PBAT matrix. The addition of CME could still maintain good mechanical properties of PBAT. The introduction of CME promoted the degradation of PBAT films.

Manipulation of Crystallization Nucleation and Mechanical Properties of PBAT Films by Octadecylamine-Cellulose

Manipulation of Crystallization Nucleation and Mechanical Properties of PBAT Films by Octadecylamine-Cellulose

Exploring the effects of montmorillonite and halloysite nanotubes on mechanical, optical and barrier properties of poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) blown films: Implications for sustainable packaging and food storage

AbstractBiodegradable packaging plastics combining good mechanical properties and low gas permeability is required to avoid environmental and food safety concerns. This study explores the impact of montmorillonite (MMT) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT), on the mechanical, optical, and oxygen permeability of blown film poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) composites. The morphology of the films was evaluated by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Good distribution/dispersion of clays is found in the PBAT‐MMT films. Besides, there is an increase in the crystallinity of PBAT due to the nucleating effect of HNT. Improvement in the tensile strength and elongation at break in the machine direction is obtained up to a clay content of 1.5 vol%. The incorporation of 1.5 vol% of MMT and 1 vol% of HNT leads to a reduction in the oxygen permeability of the PBAT film by 29% and 38% respectively. Furthermore, the films remain transparent regardless of clay content. Finally, the feasibility of the films for food storage is tested in grapes, obtaining extended shelf life. The favorable mechanical, barrier and optical properties of the biodegradable films, along with the scalable production process, make them attractive for application in the storage and preservation of food products.

Exploring g-C3N4 as a green additive for biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) film with enhanced UV shielding and mechanical properties.

Typical small organic dyes exhibit excellent UV absorption capabilities and are commonly used as additives to shield plastic films from photoaging. However, their tendency to decompose easily and migrate rapidly within a polymer matrix limits their service life. Herein we prepared g-C3N4 nanosheets and fabricated g-C3N4/PBAT films to investigate the effects of g-C3N4 on UV shielding and plasticizing of a biodegradable PBAT film. Photophysical characterizations revealed that an improved UV light barrier performance was achieved on g-C3N4/PBAT films compared to pure PBAT. Furthermore, the photoaging results show that g-C3N4 can stably exist in the PBAT matrix, enabling the aged g-C3N4/PBAT films to maintain their effective UV shielding ability, whereas the aged benzophenone (UV-0)/PBAT film shows a substantial decrease in UV light absorption due to the photodecomposition of UV-0. Additionally, g-C3N4 acted as a reinforcing material for PBAT, as evidenced by the approximately 1.5-fold increase in longitudinal tear strength and 1.6-fold increase in tensile strength of g-C3N4/PBAT films compared to pure PBAT. Remarkably, even after 100 hours of photoaging, the aged g-C3N4/PBAT films retained their favorable mechanical properties. This study highlights the potential of g-C3N4 as a new type of UV shield additive for future practical applications in protecting biodegradable plastic from photoaging.

Remodeling the polymer-binding cavity to improve the efficacy of PBAT-degrading enzyme

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is among the most widely applied synthetic polyesters that are utilized in the packaging and agricultural industries, but the accumulation of PBAT wastes has posed a great burden to ecosystems. Using renewable enzymes to decompose PBAT is an eco-friendly solution to tackle this problem. Recently, we demonstrated that cutinase is the most effective PBAT-degrading enzyme and that an engineered cutinase termed TfCut-DM could completely decompose PBAT film to terephthalate (TPA). Here, we report crystal structures of a variant of leaf compost cutinase in complex with soluble fragments of PBAT, including BTa and TaBTa. In the TaBTa complex, one TPA moiety was located at a polymer-binding site distal to the catalytic center that has never been experimentally validated. Intriguingly, the composition of the distal TPA-binding site shows higher diversity relative to the one proximal to the catalytic center in various cutinases. We thus modified the distal TPA-binding site of TfCut-DM and obtained variants that exhibit higher activity. Notably, the time needed to completely degrade the PBAT film to TPA was shortened to within 24 h by TfCut-DM Q132Y (5813 mol per mol protein). Taken together, the structural information regarding the substrate-binding behavior of PBAT-degrading enzymes could be useful guidance for direct enzyme engineering.

Preparation and properties of vermiculite modified by triphenylbutylphosphonium bromide and PBAT composite film

AbstractIn this study, quaternary phosphonium salt (P4) was prepared, vermiculite (VMT) was modified by P4, and P4@VMT/poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) composite film was prepared by the solution method. The structure of the synthesized P4 was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared. The structure and performance of P4 modified vermiculite were explored and analyzed by particle size, XRD, infrared and micro‐morphology. The structure, thermal properties, crystallization properties, rheological properties, cross‐section morphology, tensile properties and antibacterial properties of pure PBAT film and P4@VMT/PBAT composite film were tested and compared. The results show that the crystallization temperature and melting temperature of P4@VMT/PBAT composite film are higher than those of pure PBAT film. With the increase in P4@VMT content, the thermal stability of the composite film becomes worse, and the crystallization enthalpy, melting enthalpy and crystallinity also decrease, while the storage modulus, loss modulus and complex viscosity of P4@VMT/PBAT composite film increase significantly. In addition, compared with pure PBAT film, the tensile strength of P4@VMT/PBAT‐20% composites decreased by 12.0% and the elongation at break decreased by 95.7%.Highlights Successful synthesis of phosphonium quaternary P4 and modification of vermiculite. The properties of P4@VMT/PBAT composite films with different contents were studied.

Biodegradable blown film composite from poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and talc: Effect of uniaxial stretching on mechanical and barrier properties

This research focuses on improving the oxygen and water vapour barrier properties of blown PBAT films after adding talc particles (15 and 25 wt%) followed by uniaxial stretching in the machine direction. DSC analysis revealed that the addition of talc enhanced %crystallinity by ∼42 and ∼125% at stretch ratios 5.5 and 6.0, respectively, compared to unstretched neat PBAT films, due to the dispersion and platelets morphology of talc particles, followed by uniaxial orientation of polymer chains. This significantly impacted the mechanical properties of PBAT as elastic modulus gained by ∼1939 and ∼2486% for the stretched composite films containing 15 and 25 wt% talc, respectively, over unstretched neat PBAT. The water vapour barrier of the stretched composite films was improved by ∼61 and ∼62% after adding 15 and 25 wt% talc particles, respectively, compared to PBAT due to its increased %crystallinity and can be a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics in flexible packaging.