Poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate)/poly (lactic acid) (PBAT/PLA) blend characterization processed by electron beam

Abstract

The aim of this research was to check the changes in the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate)/poly(lactic acid) (PBAT/PLA) polymeric blend, which commercial name is Ecovio®, after radiation processing in different absorbed doses. PBAT and PLA are biodegradable polymers and the Ecovio® polymeric blend consists of at least 80% of polymers from renewable resources. The irradiation was performed in a Radiation Dynamics Inc. electron beam accelerator, with 1.5 MeV of energy and electric current of 25 mA. Samples were prepared for micrograph, mechanical and thermal analyses. These samples were irradiated with absorbed doses of 5 kGy, 10 kGy, 15 kGy, 25 kGy and 50 kGy. The samples, after irradiation, were submitted to experiments of ultimate strength, tensile strength, ultimate elongation, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed a good interaction between the components of the polymeric blends and the radiation effect on polymeric blend promoted changes in PBAT and PLA polymers, increasing tenacity of these biopolymers and consequently facilitating yarn formation in processing. In conclusion, these irradiated blends could be used to make environmental friendly products.