Structure-property relationship of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate)/polycaprolactone coated inorganic particle composites

Abstract Polycaprolactone (PCL)-coated micro kaolin and nano-titania were prepared by high-speed hybrid mechanical coating. Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)-coated inorganic particle composites were prepared by the melt-blending process. The influence of coated kaolin microparticles on the dynamic rheological behavior, non-isothermal crystallization behavior, micromorphology, and mechanical behavior were investigated. The effect of coated nano-titania on the mechanical properties of PBS-coated kaolin composites was also studied. A dynamic rheological property indicates that the complex viscosity of PBS-coated kaolin microcomposites is higher than neat PBS. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) implies that the micrometric size of kaolin particles restrains the crystallization of PBS. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) reveals a well dispersed state of coated kaolin in the polymer matrix. The impact strength of PBS-coated kaolin microcomposites is improved, while the tensile strength and elongation at break is decreased, but still appreciable. The introduction of coated nano-titania improves the impact strength dramatically, and the elongation at break of composites is considerable.