17th International Fiber and Polymer Research Symposium

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A new sustainability concept in PLA/PBAT blends: Smart Recycling

Authors :

Berk Baykan¹ M. Reza Nofar²

1- İstanbul Technical University-Materials Engineering Master of Science Program 2- Istanbul Technical University, Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Department

Keywords :

PLA-PBAT Blends،Chain Extender،Viscoelastic Properties،Smart Recycling،Sustainability

Abstract :

This study aims to develop a new method for recycling PLA/PBAT blend systems. The proposed recyclability concept is termed as Smart Recycling and involves the pre-mixing of PBAT with Joncryl, an epoxy-based chain extender, followed by blending with PLA. This concept is based on the low reactivity between PBAT-Joncryl molecules. Joncryl, which has not fully reacted with PBAT upon short mixing times is expected to diffuse towards PLA during blending, due to its higher affinity for PLA compared to PBAT, and react with it. This approach aims to minimize thermomechanical degradation during melt mixing, also enabling the blend system to be usable again upon new melt mixing processes without incorporation of any other additives. Firstly, PLA-Joncryl and PBAT-Joncryl mixtures were prepared in an internal melt mixer. From rheological analysis, it is shown that PLA had high reactivity with Joncryl, while reactivity between PBAT and Joncryl were lower. Secondly, pre-prepared PBAT-Joncryl masterbatches with several process durations were mixed with PLA to form PLA-PBAT-Joncryl blends. According to the rheological results, Joncryl masterbatches with shorter mixing times resulted in better melt properties, which indicates the diffusion of Joncryl molecules into PLA matrix and the reactions that takes place between them.