17th International Fiber and Polymer Research Symposium

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Effect of Various Additives on Obtaining Flexible Packaging Quality of PLA/PBAT Green Composites

Authors :

Elif Sözer¹

Keywords :

Polylactic Acid (PLA)،Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT)،Bioblends،Flexible Packaging،Extrusion

Abstract :

The best way to decrease plastic pollution and dependence on materials derived from fossil fuels is to use bio-based polymers made from renewable resources. Growing environmental concerns have led to an increasing demand to replace materials obtained from non-renewable resources with bio-based materials. Bio-based polymers are derived from renewable resources such as algae, bacteria, microbes, and plants. Preparing poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) bio blend by extrusion is a method to increase the suitability of the polymer for flexible packaging without compromising biodegradability. Extruder blends of PLA/PBAT with clay, carbon nanofiber and calcite have been already studied in the literature. The mixed batches were then melting mixed with PLA in a co-rotating twin screw extrusion system (Kökbir RTX-T25) at a speed of 25 rpm keeping the temperature range at 170-180 °C. The extrude from the micro-compounder was then transformed to blown film using a mini one screw film extrusion (Kökbir RTX-T24). Adding different percentages of PEG, PG, chitosan etc. to the structure created an original study. The reaction of PLA with additives, the development of PBAT's stretching of the structure in line with flexible packaging is the basis of this study. The mechanical properties of PLA/PBAT mixes were adjusted using the blend composition. PLA/PBAT mixes exhibits high modulus and tensile strength, which decreases linearly as PBAT concentration increased. Small doses of PBAT significantly improves the elongation at break. Within the scope of this study mechanical, optical, thermal and structural properties of PLA/PBAT bio composites were investigated.