Novel blends were prepared from biobased poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and poly(butylene adipate-coterephthalate) (PBAT) using a twin screw extrusion process as a function of different weight ratios. Thermal stability, mechanical, and interfacial properties of PTT/PBAT blends were investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer and mechanical analyzer. Phase behavior and surface morphology of the blends were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Interfacial bonding value of the PTT/PBAT blend was evaluated from the Pukanszky empirical relationship. Viscoelastic properties of PTT/PBAT blends were investigated using the dynamic mechanical analyzer. PTT/PBAT blend exhibited higher thermal stability than the neat PTT matrix. The entire blend showed better interfacial adhesion between the matrixes. Storage and loss modulus of the PTT/PBAT blend reduces with increasing PBAT content. PTT/PBAT blend exhibited higher impact energy than the neat PTT matrix, because of its flexible and amorphous nature of PBAT polymer and increasing toughness.
In this study, our focus is on the compatibility behaviour of bio-based polyester blend with the addition of surface-modified oil palm fruit bunch fibres (OPFBFs). The surface of OPFBF has been modified using alkali, silane and acetic anhydride solutions. Surface-modified fibres are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses to identify the functionality, adhesion and phase morphology. Untreated and treated fibres are incorporated in the bio-based polyester blend with about 30% of fibre content. Surface-modified fibre biocomposites exhibit improved interaction between the polymer matrix and the fibre. Oil palm fibre-reinforced biocomposites exhibit enhanced thermal, mechanical and morphological properties with incorporation of surface-treated fibre. The OPFBF also acts as a reinforcement filler and adhesion material for the polyester blend.
Titanium dioxide nanofiber (TNF) was synthesized from the anatase phase of titanium dioxide by the hydrothermal process. The synthesized TNF was reinforced with poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blend to enhance the compatibility and improve the mechanical properties of the blend. The nanocomposite blends were prepared by using a twin-screw extrusion process with different percentages (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10%) of TNF. The synthesized TNF phase structure was investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared characterization. Enhanced compatibility was observed between the nanofiber and the polymer matrix, which was further confirmed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The synthesized nanocomposites exhibited higher thermal stability and enhanced mechanical properties compared with the neat poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) matrix.
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