Combined effects of Sepiolite and Cloisite 30B on morphology and properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/polylactide blends

• Published in: Polymer degradation and stability Vol. 153; pp. 47 - 52
• Main Authors: Zembouai, Idris, Kaci, Mustapha, Zaidi, Lynda, Bruzaud, Stéphane
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier Ltd 01-07-2018; Elsevier BV; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biodegradable materials; Biopolymers; Chemical Sciences; Cloisite 30B; Fillers; Material chemistry; Morphology; Polymer blend; Polymers; Properties; Rheological properties; Sepiolite; Storage modulus; Thermal stability; Polymer blend; Properties; Biopolymers; Cloisite 30B; Sepiolite
• ISSN: 0141-3910; 1873-2321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2018.04.017

The aim of the work was to investigate the combined effect of Sepiolite and Cloisite 30B on the morphology and properties of PHBV/PLA 50/50 w/w blend. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed that the morphology of PHBV/PLA blend was relatively regular and homogeneous in the presence of Cloisite 30B and Sepiolite compared to the virgin blend, indicating a better compatibility between the two base polymers. The thermal stability of PHBV/PLA blend was enhanced by the clay fillers. Modulus and hardness were also increased in comparison with the virgin blend. The rheological measurements showed a significant increase in both the complex viscosity and storage modulus of the filled blend due to interactions between the clays fillers and the PHBV/PLA blend.
•Elaboration of biosourced and biodegradable blends based on PHBV and PLA.•Improvement of the miscibility between the blend components by adding both Sepiolite and Cloisite 30B.•Synergistic effect due to Sepiolite and Cloisite 30B leading to improved properties for the PHBV/PLA blends.