Effect of Different Types of PLA on the Properties of PLA/PBAT Blown Films

Abstract:

In this work, blown films made by blends of poly (lactide) (PLA) and poly (butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) in a 40/60 mass ratio were developed and characterized. Two types of PLA, differing for their viscosities, were employed, in order to evaluate their effect on the morphology and on the mechanical properties of the films. The blends exhibited a coarse morphology when the viscosity of the PLA employed was much higher than PBAT. Instead, the use of a PLA whose viscosity was closer to PBAT led to a decrease of the dimensions and to a better distribution and interfacial adhesion of the dispersed phase. Moreover, the finer and more homogenous morphology of the blend resulted in better mechanical performance of the system.

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