Compatibilization of PLA/PBAT blends by using Epoxy‐POSS

ABSTRACT Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) blends were compatibilized using epoxidized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (Epoxy‐POSS). Three different Epoxy‐POSS types were utilized having mono‐, tri‐, and multi‐epoxides per POSS cage. In order to understand the localization of Epoxy‐POSS types, wetting coefficients were calculated from surface energy measurements. According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), it was observed that Epoxy‐POSS types mostly located at the interface of PLA/PBAT phases. The compatibilization of PLA and PBAT was shown through the decrease in dispersed particles size and the shifts in glass transition temperatures of phases. Mechanical properties of PLA/PBAT improved in the presence of Epoxy‐POSS types. The Izod impact strength and elongation in tensile test values were maximized when 0.5% monoepoxy‐POSS was used as compatibilizer. The reactions between Epoxy‐POSS and polymers were monitored by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and rheology. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136 , 47217.