Effects of molecular weight and grafted maleic anhydride of functionalized polylactic acid used in reactive compatibilized binary and ternary blends of polylactic acid and thermoplastic cassava starch

Polylactic acid (PLA) was reactively functionalized with maleic anhydride (MA) and 2,5‐bis(tert‐butylperoxy)?2,5‐dimethylhexane (Luperox 101 or L101) using a twin screw extruder (TSE). The effects of functionality (grafted MA level) and/or number average molecular weight of functionalized PLA (PLA‐g‐MA) as the reactive polymer pairs (binary blends) and reactive compatibilizer (ternary blends) were investigated. Due to the dominant side reaction during melt free radical grafting, polymer degradation or chain scission, PLA‐g‐MA having a higher grafted MA had lower molecular weights and intrinsic viscosity as well as broader molecular weight distribution values. The thermal, physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of binary blends produced by using the TSE and injection molding at a ratio of 70 wt % PLA‐g‐MA and 30 wt % thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) were analyzed. The reactive blends having grafted MA more than 0.4 wt % had poor tensile strength and elongation at break. Similar trends in morphology and tensile properties were observed in the reactive ternary blends. The use of PLA‐g‐MA strongly impacted the elongation at break but not the modulus or tensile strength. An increase of PLA‐g‐MA's number average molecular weight ( or M_n) improved the tensile properties of the blends. The reactive ternary blend having 0.1 wt % grafted MA on PLA and PLA‐g‐MA basis and PLA‐g‐MA's M_n of 45 kDa offered the highest elongation at break. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42230.     

The morphology,rheological, and mechanical properties of wood flour/starch/poly(lactic acid) blends

An entirely biosourced blend composed of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), starch, and wood flour (WF) was prepared by a co‐extruder with glycerol as a plasticizer. The morphology, rheological properties, and mechanical properties of the WF/starch/PLA blends were comprehensively analyzed. The results showed that with the decrease of the starch/WF ratio, the morphology experienced a large transformation, and the compatibility of the blends was found to be superior to other blends, with a starch/wood flour ratio of 7/3. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA) results demonstrated the incompatibility of the components in WF/starch/PLA blends. Following the decrease of the starch/WF ratio, the storage modulus (G″) and the complex viscosity (η*) of the blends increased. The mechanical strength first increased, and then decreased with the increase of the WF concentration. The water absorption results showed that the water resistance of the blends was reduced with the lower starch/WF ratio. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44743.     

From microstructure to mechanical properties of compatibilized polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends

Bio‐degradable polymer blends of polylactic acid/thermoplastic starch (PLA/TPS) were prepared via direct melt blending varying order of mixing of ingredients fed into the extruder. The effect of interface interactions between PLA and TPS in the presence of maleic anhydride (MA) compatibilizer on the microstructure and mechanical properties was then investigated. The prepared PLA/TPS blends were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile, and rheological measurements. Morphology of PLA/TPS shows that the introduction of MA into the polymer matrix increases the presence of TPS at the interface region. DSC results revealed the reduction of glass transition temperature of PLA with contributions from both TPS and MA. The crystallization temperature was decreased by the addition of MA leading to reduction of overall crystallization of PLA/TPS blend. The mechanical measurements show that increasing MA content up to 2 wt % enhances the modulus of PLA/TPS more than 45% compared to the corresponding blends free of MA compatibilizer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44734.     

Toughening of polylactic acid using styrene ethylene butylene styrene: Mechanical,thermal, and morphological studies

Polylactic acid, PLA, derived from renewable resources has gained great attention nowadays owing to their sustainability, biodegradability, superior property, and transparency. However, intrinsic brittleness and low toughness severely limits its variety of applications. Blending of PLA with other polymers is more economical and more flexible technique for the property improvement of PLA. In this study, Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (SEBS) and Maleic Anhydride grafted SEBS (MA‐g‐SEBS) are used as toughening agents to study their effect for its toughness, high strength and heat resistance on PLA. PLA/SEBS and PLA/Maleic Anhydride grafted SEBS blends were prepared under four different compositions by melt mixing technique using a corotating twin–screw extruder after optimizing the mixing conditions. The mechanical properties of the blends such as tensile, flexural, and impact strengths were investigated using specimens prepared by injection molding process. The percentage elongation and impact strength of PLA/MA‐g‐SEBS blends were found to be increased significantly by 540 and 135%, respectively in comparison with virgin PLA and PLA/SEBS blends. However, tensile strength and modulus of PLA/SEBS and PLA/MA‐g‐SEBS blends decreased compared with pristine PLA. SEM behaviour supported the higher impact property of PLA with the incorporation of modified SEBS via multiple crazing and cavitation mechanisms. DSC study also supported greater compatibility between maleated SEBS and PLA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:669–675, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The properties of blends of maleic‐anhydride‐grafted polyethylene and thermoplastic starch using hyperbranched polyester polyol as a plasticizer

The first aim of this study was to prepare thermoplastic starch (TPS), namely blends of tapioca starch and hyperbranched polyester polyol and to evaluate the hyperbranched polyester polyol (HBP) as a plasticizing agent for tapioca starch. The second aim was to prepare blends of maleic‐anhydride‐grafted low‐density polyethylene (LDPE‐g‐MA) and TPS, and to evaluate the effect of the mass ratio LDPE‐g‐MA/TPS on the structural, thermal, rheological, morphological, and mechanical properties of the blends. The melting and crystallization temperatures of the LDPE‐g‐MA/TPS blends did not correlate well with the ratio of LDPE‐g‐MA/TPS. The blends exhibited a reduction in the A‐type crystallinity and a pseudoplastic rheological behavior. V‐type crystallinity was not observed for neither TPS nor LDPE‐g‐MA/TPS blends. Scanning electronic microscophy provided an evidence for the presence of starch granules in all the blends and for low interaction degree between LDPE‐g‐MA and TPS. Young's modulus and tensile strength of the LDPE‐g‐MA/TPS blends decreased with the decreasing LDPE‐g‐MA/TPS ratio. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2526–2533, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Wood‐thermoplastic composites from wood flour and high‐density polyethylene

High‐density polyethylene/wood flour (HDPE/WF) composites were prepared by a twin‐screw extruder. The effects of WF, silane coupling agents, polymer compatibilizers, and their content on the comprehensive properties of the WF/HDPE composites have been studied in detail, including the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties and microstructure. The results showed that both silane coupling agents and polymer compatibilizers could improve the interfacial adhesion between WF and HDPE, and further improve the properties of WF/HDPE composites, especially with AX8900 as a compatibilizer giving higher impact strength, and with HDPE‐g‐MAH as a compatibilizer giving the best tensile and flexural properties. The resultant composite has higher strength (tensile strength = 51.03 MPa) and better heat deflection temperature (63.1°C). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Mechanical and thermal flow properties of wood flour–biodegradable polymer composites

Wood flour (WF)–polycaprolactone (PCL) and polybutylenesuccinate–butylenecarbonate (PBSC) composites were prepared by knead processing. The effects of a compatibilizer on the tensile and thermal flow properties of the composites were investigated. PCL‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PCL‐g‐MA) was used as a compatibilizer. Tensile properties were improved by adding PCL‐g‐MA to both composites. The tensile strength and Young's modulus were increased from 13 to 27 MPa and 581 to 1011 MPa in WF–PCL (50/50, w/w) composites, respectively, and from 17 to 28 MPa and 814 to 1007 Mpa in WF–PBSC (50/50, w/w) composites, respectively, with the addition of 5% PCL‐g‐MA. Elongation at break increased from 4 to 7% and from 3 to 6% in the WF–PCL and the WF–PBSC composites, respectively. Tensile strength was further increased with increasing WF content in the presence of PCL‐g‐MA. Thermal flow temperature and melt viscosity of the composites were increased, and water absorption and thickness swelling were improved with the addition of PCL‐g‐MA. It was found from the burial test that all composites were more than 40% degraded within 6 weeks, and there was no considerable difference in degradation between composites with PCL‐g‐MA and those without. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1900–1905, 2003     

Formulation‐properties versatility of wood fiber biocomposites based on polylactide and polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends

This article discusses the interrelation between formulation, processing, and properties of biocomposites composed of a bioplastic reinforced with wood fibers. Polylactide (PLA) and polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends (PLA/TPS) were used as polymeric matrices. Two grades of PLA, an amorphous and a semicrystalline one, were studied. TPS content in the PLA/TPS blends was set at 30, 50, and 70 wt%. Two types of wood fiber were selected, a hardwood (HW) and a softwood (SW), to investigate the effect of the fiber type on the biocomposite properties. Finally, the impact of different additives on biocomposite properties was studied with the purpose to enhance the bioplastic/wood fiber adhesion and, therefore, the final mechanical performance. The biocomposites containing 30 wt% of wood fibers were obtained by twin‐screw extrusion. The properties of the biocomposites are described in terms of morphology, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the biocomposites were tested for humidity and water absorption and biodegradability. An almost 100% increase in elastic modulus and 25% in tensile strength were observed for PLA/wood fiber biocomposite with the best compatibilization strategy used. The presence of the TPS in the biocomposites at 30 and 50 wt% maintained the tensile strength higher or at least equal as for the virgin PLA. These superior tensile results were due to the inherent affinity between the matrices and wood fibers improved by the addition of a combination of coupling and a branching agent. In addition to their outstanding mechanical performance, the biocomposites showed high biodegradation within 60 days. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1325–1340, 2014. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2013 ¹      

Effects of compatibilizers on the physico‐mechanical and foaming properties of polyproylene/wood‐fiber composites

Polypropylene (PP)/wood‐fiber (WF) composites were prepared by intermeshing co‐rotating twin screw extruder, and microcellular closed cell PP/WF composite foams were prepared by using pressure‐quenched batch process method. The effect of various compatibilizers on the mechanical properties, morphology, crystallinity, rheological properties, and foamability of PP/WF composites were investigated. The results showed that PP/WF composite with addition of PP‐g‐MA as compatibilizer had the highest tensile strength, stiffness, and crystallinity, after foaming, it showed highest relative density and cell density, as well as the smallest cell size. Higher crystallinity of PP/WF composites, showed higher stiffness and higher relative density. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:250–257, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate)/wood flour composites: Physical and morphological properties

This work sought to improve the toughness and thermal stability of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by incorporating poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and wood flour (WF). The PLA/PBS blends showed a PBS‐dose‐dependent increase in the impact strength, elongation at break, degree of crystallinity, and thermal stability compared to the PLA, but the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and flexural strength were all decreased with increasing PBS content. Based on the optimum impact strength and elongation at break, the 70/30 (w/w) PLA/PBS blend was selected for preparing composites with five loadings of WF (5–30 phr). The impact strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and thermal stability of the PLA/PBS/WF composites decreased with increasing WF content, and the degree of crystallinity was slightly increased compared to the 70/30 (w/w) PLA/PBS blend. Based on differential scanning calorimetry, the inclusion of PBS and WF into PLA did not significantly change the glass transition and melting temperatures of PLA in the PLA/PBS blends and PLA/PBS/WF composites. From the observed cold crystallization temperature of PLA in the samples, it was evident that the degree of crystallinity of PLA in all the blends and composites was higher than that of PLA. The PLA/PBS blend and PLA/PBS/WF composite degraded faster than PLA during three months in natural soil, which was due to the fast degradation rate of PBS. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2841–2851, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Novel polylactide/triticale straw biocomposites: Processing,formulation, and properties

This article aims to the development of polylactide (PLA)/triticale straw biocomposites with focus on the relationship between triticale straw content, additive presence, processing, and final properties. Prior to melt compounding, the triticale straw used in this study was chopped using the paper process to produce triticale particles that were further pelletized to assure a consistent feed rate into the extrusion line. PLA/triticale straw biocomposites were obtained for different triticale contents from 10 up to 40%vol, without and with maleic anhydride grafted polylactide (PLA‐g‐MA) as a coupling agent. As a supplementary additive, a PLA‐specific branching agent was used in some selected formulations to minimize the reduction in PLA's molecular weight. The biocomposites were characterized in terms of rheology, thermal properties, morphology, mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact), and recyclability. The PLA‐g‐MA increased the tensile strength of biocomposites by 10%, whereas boosted the tensile modulus about 2.5 times at 40%vol triticale content. For the same formulation, the flexural strength was raised by 15% and flexural modulus was doubled. However, a combination of PLA‐g‐MA and branching agent proved to be the best approach to enhance PLA/triticale straw mechanical properties. When 20%vol of triticale was used as reinforcement, the presence of branching agent increased the flexural strength about 25%. The results demonstrate that the triticale straw processed in this way could offer a similar reinforcement capability as the cellulosic fibers based on the agricultural and forestry resources and can be easily recycled without losing its mechanical properties. It has a good potential in the biocomposites field with promising applications in construction, common goods, and transportation industries. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:446–458, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical,thermal, and biodegradability properties of PLA/modified starch blends

Three different kinds of modified starch (MS) were prepared as fillers to assess the compatibility between them and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) resin. The blends were prepared by incorporating 15 wt% of the MS into PLA using a twin‐screw extruder. Through morphology analysis, it can be seen that the dispersion state of MS granules was greatly different. Investigations of thermal behavior indicated that the addition of MS decreased thermal properties which found expression in the decrease of melting temperature and vicat softening temperature (VST). But thermal stability of PLA/maleic anhydride grafted starch (MA‐g‐ST) was slightly higher than those of other blends. PLA/MA‐g‐ST blend exhibited the highest notched impact strength, elongation at break, and tensile strength, which means MA‐g‐ST was suitable as a filler improving the toughness of PLA. It was also proved that biodegradability rate of blends increased dramatically and reached up to 1.80, 1.89, 1.44 g day⁻¹ after 60 days, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Modification of wood flour/PLA composites by reactive extrusion with maleic anhydride

MA modified wood flour/PLA composites were prepared by one‐step reactive extrusion, in which wood flour and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were used as raw material, maleic anhydride (MA) was used as modifier, and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was used as initiator. The influences of MA concentration on the morphology, thermal stability, rheological, and mechanical properties of the composites were studied. The addition of MA improved the compatibility of the composites significantly. The thermal and rheological results showed that with the increase of the concentration of MA, the thermal stability of the composites decreased, the storage modulus and complex viscosity of the composites also decreased. The MA modified composites had an enhanced mechanical strength compared to the unmodified one. As the concentration of the MA increased, the tensile and flexural strength of the composites first increased and then decreased, and reached a maximum when the concentration of MA was 1 wt %. The MA modified composites showed a better water resistance than the unmodified ones. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43295.     

Effect of Maleated Compatibilizer on Performance of PLA/Wheat Straw‐Based Green Composites

In this study, the use of PLA‐g‐MA is investigated as a potential method for improving interfacial adhesion between agricultural residues and PLA, with the goal of enhancing mechanical properties. Compatibilization was achieved by using PLA‐g‐MA prepared via reactive extrusion. Green renewable and compatibilized PLA/wheat straw composites were extruded and injection‐molded. Addition of 3 and 5 phr PLA‐g‐MA to the composites resulted in significant improvements in tensile strength (20%) and flexural strength (14%) of the composites, matching that of the neat polymer. The observed improvement in strength was attributed to the good interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix.

     

Study on the properties of polyethylene–octene elastomer/wood flour blends

In the present study, the properties of metallocene polyethylene–octene elastomer (POE) and wood flour (WF) blends were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), an Instron mechanical tester, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the mechanical properties of POE were obviously lowered, due to the poor compatibility between the two phases, when it was blended with WFs. A fine dispersion and homogeneity of WF in the polymer matrix could be obtained when acrylic acid‐grafted POE (POE‐g‐AA) was used to replace POE for manufacture of the blends. This better dispersion is due to the formation of branched and crosslinked macromolecules since the POE‐g‐AA copolymer had carboxyl groups to react with the hydroxyls. This is reflected in the mechanical and thermal properties of the blends. In comparison with a pure POE/WF blend, the increase in tensile strength at break was remarkable for the POE‐g‐AA/WF blend. The POE‐g‐AA/WF blends are more easily processed than are the POE/WF blends, since the former had a lower melt viscosity than that of the latter. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1919–1924, 2003     

Effects of glycerol and PE‐g‐MA on morphology,thermal and tensile properties of LDPE and rice starch blends

The effects of glycerol and polyethylene‐grafted maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MA) on the morphology, thermal properties, and tensile properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and rice starch blends were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, and the Instron Universal Testing Machine, respectively. Blends of LDPE/rice starch, LDPE/rice starch/glycerol, and LDPE/rice starch/glycerol/PE‐g‐MA with different starch contents were prepared by using a laboratory scale twin‐screw extruder. The distribution of rice starch in LDPE matrix became homogenous after the addition of glycerol. The interfacial adhesion between rice starch and LDPE was improved by the addition of PE‐g‐MA as demonstrated by SEM. The crystallization temperatures of LDPE/rice starch/glycerol blends and LDPE/rice starch/glycerol/PE‐g‐MA blends were similar to that of pure LDPE but higher than that of LDPE/rice starch blends. Both the tensile strength and the elongation at break followed the order of rice starch/LDPE/glycerol/PE‐g‐MA blends > rice starch/LDPE/glycerol > LDPE/rice starch blends. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 344–350, 2004     

Compatibility improvement of poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic starch blown films using acetylated starch

The present research aims to improve the compatibility between relatively hydrophobic poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and hydrophilic thermoplastic starch (TPS) and the properties of the PLA/TPS blends by replacing TPS from native cassava starch (TPSN) with TPS from acetylated starch (TPSA). The effects of the degree of acetylation (DA) of acetylated starch, that is, 0.021, 0.031, and 0.074, on the morphological characteristics and properties of PLA/TPS blend are investigated. The melt blends of PLA and TPS with a weight proportion of PLA:TPS of 50:50 are fabricated and then blown into films. Scanning electron microscopy confirms the dispersion of TPS phase in the PLA matrix. Better dispersion and smaller size of the TPS phase are observed for the PLA/TPSA blend films with low DA of acetylated starch, resulting in improved tensile and barrier properties and increased storage modulus, thermal stability, and T_g, T_cc, and T_m of PLA. Elongation at break of the PLA/TPSA blend increases up to 57%, whereas its water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability decrease about 15%. The obtained PLA/TPSA blend films have the potential to be applied as biodegradable flexible packaging.     

Development and characterization of green composites from bio‐based polyethylene and peanut shell

In the present work, different compatibilizers, namely polyethylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MA), polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA), and polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐ran‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) were used on green composites derived from biobased polyethylene and peanut shell (PNS) flour to improve particle–polymer interaction. Composites of high‐density polyethylene/peanut shell powder (HDPE/PNS) with 10 wt % PNS flour were compatibilized with 3 wt % of the abovementioned compatibilizers. As per the results, PP‐g‐MA copolymer lead to best optimized properties as evidenced by mechanical characterization. In addition, best particle–matrix interface interactions with PP‐g‐MA were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently HDPE/PNS composites with varying PNS flour content in the 5–30 wt % range with PP‐g‐MA compatibilizer were obtained by melt extrusion and compounding followed by injection molding and were characterized by mechanical, thermal, and morphological techniques. The results showed that PNS powder, leads to an increase in mechanical resistant properties (mainly, flexural modulus, and strength) while a decrease in mechanical ductile properties, that is, elongation at break and impact absorbed energy is observed with increasing PNS flour content. Furthermore, PNS flour provides an increase in thermal stability due to the natural antioxidant properties of PNS. In particular, composites containing 30 wt % PNS powder present a flexural strength 24% and a flexural modulus 72% higher than the unfilled polyethylene and the thermo‐oxidative onset degradation temperature is increased from 232 °C up to 254 °C thus indicating a marked thermal stabilization effect. Resultant composites can show a great deal of potential as base materials for wood plastic composites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43940.     

Effect of cellulose nanofibers and acetylated cellulose nanofibers on the properties of low‐density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch blends

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and acetylated cellulose nanofibers (ACNFs) on the properties of low‐density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch/polyethylene‐grafted maleic anhydride (LDPE/TPS/PE‐g‐MA) blends. For this purpose, CNFs, isolated from wheat straw fibers, were first acetylated using acetic anhydride in order to modify their hydrophilicity. Afterwards, LDPE/TPS/PE‐g‐MA blends were reinforced using either CNFs or ACNFs at various concentrations (1–5 wt%) with a twin‐screw extruder. The mechanical results demonstrated that addition of ACNFs more significantly improved the ultimate tensile strength and Young's modulus of blends than addition of CNFs, albeit elongation at break of both reinforced blends decreased compared with the neat sample. Additionally, biodegradability and water absorption capacity of blends improved due to the incorporation of both nanofibers, these effects being more pronounced for CNF‐assisted blends than ACNF‐reinforced counterparts. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Composites of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blend with wood fiber and wollastonite: Physical properties,morphology, and biodegradability

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was first melt blended with five weight percentages (10–50 wt %) of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) on a twin-screw extruder and then injection molded. The blend at 30 wt % PBAT exhibited the highest impact strength and elongation-at-break without phase inversion. The 70/30 (w/w) PLA/PBAT blend with high toughness improvement was selected for preparing both single and hybrid composites using an organic filler, wood fiber (WF) and inorganic filler, wollastonite (WT) with a fix total loading at 30 parts per hundred of resin (phr) throughout the experiment. Five WF/WT (phr/phr) ratios for the composites were 30/0, 10/20, 15/15, 20/10, and 0/30. The prepared composites were investigated for the mechanical and thermal properties, melt flow index (MFI), morphology, flammability, water uptake, and biodegradability as a function of composition. All the composites showed a filler-dose-dependent decrease in the impact strength, elongation-at-break, MFI, and thermal stability, but an increase in the tensile and flexural modulus, tensile and flexural strength, antidripping ability, and water uptake compared with the neat blend. The addition of WF and WT was also found to promote the biodegradability of the PLA/PBAT blend. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47543.