The effect of tetra‐needle‐like zinc oxide whisker as additive on the crystallization kinetics of polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactic acid blend

Abstract

Herein, we investigate the effect of the addition of tetra‐needle‐like zinc oxide whisker (T‐ZnOw), a novel reinforcing additive, on the melt crystallization behavior of biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)/polylactic acid (PLA) polymer blends. PBAT and PLA were blended in a Haake mixer at a fixed weight ratio of 70/30, and the contents of T‐ZnOw varied from 0 to 7 wt%. The melt thermal properties and crystallization behavior of PBAT/PLA blends and PBAT/PLA/T‐ZnOw composites were studied using differential scanning calorimetry. The kinetics of melt crystallization have been quantitatively explained using a range of mathematical formalisms. The Avrami equation is adopted to analyze the isothermal crystallization process and kinetics of PBAT/PLA/T‐ZnOw composites. For its nonisothermal crystallization process and kinetics, the Ozawa equation cannot describe the entire process, while the Jeziomy‐modified Avrami equation can only describe the initial stage of its nonisothermal crystallization. Using Mo‐analysis, the impact of T‐ZnOw contents on the composite's nonisothermal crystallization kinetic has been thoroughly examined. Given that the PBAT/PLA blend system's crystal formation may be inhibited by T‐ZnOw, the observation demonstrates that T‐ZnOw only marginally alters this process. The work is of significant scientific value and adds a new concept to the development of sustainable thin film for packaging.Highlights T‐ZnOw is used as a novel additive for PBAT/PLA polymer blends. The crystallization of PBAT/PLA/T‐ZnOw composite systems is thoroughly examined. T‐ZnOw marginally reduces the kinetics of the crystallization process of PBAT/PLA blends. PBAT/PLA/T‐ZnOw composites follow volume nucleation with mixed 2D/1D growth. The nonisothermal crystallization of PBAT/PLA/T‐ZnOw composites is validated by Mo‐analysis.