Effects of mica modification with ethylene‐vinyl acetate wax on the water vapor barrier and mechanical properties of poly‐(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) nanocomposite films

Abstract Poly‐(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is one of the most popular raw materials for degradable plastic films because of its good biodegradability, ductility, and processability. However, the application of this material is limited by its unsatisfactory water vapor barrier property. This study aims to improve the water vapor barrier and mechanical properties of PBAT films by introducing mica modified by ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer waxes (EVA‐mica). The EVA‐mica nanosheets showed a more uniform dispersion in the PBAT films than the mica nanosheets. The PBAT/EVA‐mica films containing 2% EVA‐mica demonstrated outstanding crystallinity, water vapor barrier, and mechanical properties compared with the pure PBAT films. Results showed a 20.23% increase in crystallinity, an 80.09% reduction in water vapor permeability, a 26.82% increase in tensile strength, and a 9.10% increase in tear strength. The enhanced water vapor barrier and mechanical properties of the PBAT/EVA‐mica nanocomposite films are favorable for their future application as biodegradable films.