Water Transport Properties of Poly(butylene succinate) and Poly[(butylene succinate)-co-(butylene adipate)] Nanocomposite Films: Influence of the Water-Assisted Extrusion Process

Abstract

Poly­(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly­[(butylene succinate)-co-(butylene adipate)] (PBSA)-based composite films loaded with 5 wt % of fillers (native or organo-modified montmorillonites) were extruded using a standard protocol or assisted by water injection. In the resulting composite films, the filler morphology was altered, as evidenced by TEM images. The CNa aggregates were broken with the help of water injection, and the exfoliation/dispersion levels of C30B were dependent on the matrix. By considering the degree of crystallinity of the polymer matrix, the nature of the fillers, and also the processing conditions, the film (micro)­structure was successfully correlated to the water (liquid and vapor) behavior of the PBS- and PBSA-based films, studied by means of sorption and permeation measurements. The water permeability and diffusivity were significantly reduced even with an increased water sorption, depending on the matrix and the clay morphology or nature. Specifically, concomitant effects such as tortuosity and trapping but also preferential diffusion pathways as well as free volumes in matrix strikingly were responsible for the barrier performances evolution.

Properties of Biodegradable Films Based on Poly(butylene Succinate) (PBS) and Poly(butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) Blends

“…In the present work, DSC showed the crystallinity increasing with PBS content in the blends, and consequently the barrier properties should decrease with PBS content, as was actually observed. These results are consistent with the structure of the materials: the higher crystallinity of PBS with respect to PBAT leads to a more tortuous path within the amorphous phase, and reduces the diffusivity of the permeants [ 9 ].…”

“…In comparison to PLA, PBS can be characterized as a tough and resistant material [ 6 ]. However, its ductility is rather poor, and therefore several studies on PBS blends with other polymers have been carried out in order to modify its properties [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. In this respect, blending with other biodegradable polyesters is considered as the most promising way to get sustainable materials with improved and tailored properties.…”

Biodegradable PLA/PBS multinanolayer membrane with enhanced barrier performances

“…(8) for the diffusivity, which validates the water plasticization occurring in the multilayer film. This plasticization phenomenon has also been observed for the PLA and the PBS monolayer films, as well as in other studies [7,[54][55][56][57].…”

Biodegradable PLA/PBSA Multinanolayer Nanocomposites: Effect of Nanoclays Incorporation in Multinanolayered Structure on Mechanical and Water Barrier Properties

“…The shape of the isotherm curves is rather similar whatever the tested film: a linear increase of water mass gain as water activity a w increases, followed by a sharp rise of water mass gain at a w > 0.6. As largely reported in the literature [ 52 , 53 , 54 ], C30B filler sorb a higher water content than polyester or polyamide films within the whole water activity range, because of water-sensitive groups, such as silicate and hydroxyethylene groups, included in the surfactant of C30B [ 55 ]. From Figure 5 , the water vapor sorption behaviour of the filled PBSA films deviates from that of the neat PBSA film at a w > 0.5.…”