The Effect of Palm Stearin in Poly (Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT)/ Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA) Biodegradable Feedstock

Abstract

Because of environmental concerns, the need to minimize reliance on fossil-based polymers and achieve sustainable growth is important today. In this study, poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) blend at 50/50 wt.% ratio were mixed with palm stearin (PS) ranging from 5 to 20 wt.%. The characterizations of the tri-component PBAT/PLA/PS polymer blend were done based on torque analysis, rheology, thermal properties, and mechanical properties.  Results showed the PS induced the compatibilization to PBAT/PLA blend, with the evidence of both T_g PLA and PBAT shifter closer to each other.  Moreover, the addition of the PS in the PBAT/PLA matrix decreased the torque value from 4 Nm to 2 Nm of the PBAT/PLA blends and reduce fluidity and showed good thermal stability properties, suggesting that the PS is an alternative material to compatibilized the PBAT/PLA blend. Evidently addition of 15 wt.% PS has also improved the PBAT/PLA blends properties such the elongation at break to approximately 200%.