Exploring the Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate/Thermoplastic Polyether Ester Elastomer Blend-Modified Foam: The Frontier of High-Elasticity Sustainable Foam

The preparation of high-elastic polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) foam is of great significance for environmental protection and “white pollution” regulation. In this work, the biodegradable thermoplastic elastomer PBAT was blended with the thermoplastic poly(ether ester) elastomer (TPEE) and chain extender ADR in one pot to improve the elasticity and foaming performance of the blend. The compatibility, rheological properties, thermal properties, and foaming behavior of the PBAT/TPEE blend were carefully studied. Rheological properties showed that the melt strength of the blend was significantly improved with the use of chain extension. The crystallization properties of the blends were however decreased. A uniform foam with a density of 0.107 g/cm3 was achieved when TPEE was blended into PBAT at a PBAT/TPEE ratio of 70:30 with a chain extender of 2 wt %. At the same density and PBAT/TPEE blending ratio of 70:30, the tensile strength and compressive strength showed the best performance; meanwhile, the resilience significantly increased from 40 to 61%.