Formulation and characterization of compatibilized poly(lactic acid)‐based blends and their nanocomposites with silver‐loaded kaolinite

Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites have been developed in this study as materials for use in the packaging of moisture‐sensitive products. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was the main component of the nanocomposites with poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) as flexibility enhancer. Tetrabutyl titanate was also added as a compatibilizer to enhance the interfacial affinity between PLA and PBAT by inducing the formation of some PLA/PBAT via transesterification during the melt blending process, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the blends. Silver‐loaded kaolinite synthesized via chemical reduction was also incorporated into the compatibilized blends for further property improvement. Herein, we report a novel biodegradable quaternary nanocomposite system with intercalated‐exfoliated clay dispersion that was uniquely achieved by increasing the interlamellar space between kaolinite layers through silver nanoparticle insertion. The resultant nanocomposites containing as little as 4 phr modified clay reduced the elongation at break from 213.0 ± 5.85% to 53.8 ± 1.81%, enhanced thermal stability (initial decomposition temperature increased from 378 °C to 399 °C) and exhibited a water vapor permeability reduction of 41.85%. On the basis of these properties, the developed nanocomposites are considered to be promising candidates for use in bio‐packaging applications to replace non‐biodegradable and petro‐based plastics. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry