Preparation and Characterization of PBAT/OTPS Blend Films with Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESO) for Eco-friendly Packaging Application

The application of starch-based films is limited by the poor water vapor barrier and mechanical properties. In this study, plasticized octenyl-succinated corn starch (OTPS) was mixed into Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) with various concentration (0/0.25/0.5/0.75 wt%) of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) to enhance the mechanical properties and the hydrophobicity of blends. Tensile Strength and elongation at break of PBAT/OTPS film was slightly strengthened as the added ratio of ESO raised to 0.5 wt%, yet lessened again in 0.75 wt% sample. The yield strength and elastic modulus were highest in 0.25wt% of ESO added. In thermal properties, the melting temperature (Tm) and crystallization temperature (Tc) were highest at ESO 0.25 and the maximum degradation temperature (Tmax) of components of the films were developed as ESO added. Also, it has been proved that the addition of hydrophobic substances reduces the hydrophilicity of the film by contact angle. This suggests the use of epoxidized oil for preparing films based on high TPS content allows obtaining enhanced interfacial adhesion. This study confirmed that ESO acts as a compatibilizer between OTPS and PBAT to improve the mechanical properties and hydrophobicity of the sample. The sample containing 0.5wt% of ESO was the most suitable for packaging application.