The Effect of Calcium Carbonate on the Photo‐Oxidative Behavior of Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate). Issue 10 (11th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Titone, Vincenzo; La Mantia, Francesco Paolo; Mistretta, Maria Chiara
• Is Part Of: Macromolecular materials and engineering. Volume 305:Issue 10(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-08-11
• Subjects: biodegradable -- films -- irradiation -- nanocomposites -- polyesters; Plastics -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1002/mame.202000358
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1438-7492

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of nanosized CaCO3 on the photo‐oxidation of poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐terephthalate) (PBAT)‐based nanocomposites. The PBAT/CaCO3 nanocomposites are prepared by using a corotating twin‐screw extruder with 0, 2, and 5 wt% of CaCO3 . The films are obtained by film blowing process. Specimens of the nanocomposites and that of the pure polymer are subjected to accelerated aging with a cycle of 8 h of light at a temperature of 55 °C followed by 4 h condensation at 45 °C to evaluate the effects of the CaCO3 addition on the photo‐oxidation of PBAT. The results indicate that the modulus and tensile strength of the nanocomposites are increased significantly after incorporation of nanosized CaCO3, but, however, the elongation at break remains almost unchanged. The presence of the calcium carbonate slightly increases the photo‐oxidation rate of the matrix due to the presence of a stearate coating. Abstract : The results obtained showed that the presence of nanosized calcium carbonate improves the mechanical properties of the matrix, but, due to the presence of a stearate coating slightly worsens the rate of photo‐oxidation in all the composites investigated. On the other hand, it has been observed that the presence of CaCO3 delays the yellowing of the matrix.