Film Blowing of Biodegradable Polymer Nanocomposites for Agricultural Applications. Issue 9 (16th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mistretta, Maria Chiara; Botta, Luigi; La Mantia, Francesco Paolo; Di Fiore, Antonino; Cascone, Marco
• Is Part Of: Macromolecular materials and engineering. Volume 306:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-07-16
• Subjects: biodegradable polymers -- film blowing -- nanocomposites -- PBAT -- PLA; Plastics -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1002/mame.202100177
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1438-7492

Abstract

Abstract: Films for agricultural applications, such as greenhouses films or mulching films are generally made of polyolefins such as linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) or low‐density polyethylene. However, the use of biodegradable and/or compostable polymers is increasing, which enjoy the additional advantage that they can be left on the site since a fine life would be gradually assimilated to the underlying soil. Nevertheless, biodegradable polymeric films often do not have suitable mechanical performances. In this work, biodegradable polymer‐based nanocomposite films are prepared by film blowing and compared with traditional LLDPE based nanocomposites. In particular, a biodegradable polymer blend and two different inorganic nanofillers (an organo‐modified clay and a calcium carbonate with a hydrophobic coating) are used for the preparation of the nanocomposites. A detailed investigation of obtained materials is performed through rheological, mechanical, and optical characterizations. Adding nanofillers led to an increase of rigidity and tear strength of blown films without negatively affecting their ductility. Abstract : Bionanocomposite samples based on poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/polylactic acid blend and two different inorganic nanofillers can be potentially used for the production of blown films for agriculture applications. The presence of nanoparticles does not affect the processability of the polymer in the film blowing operation. The addition of fillers improves the stiffness and tear strength of films without negatively affecting their ductility.