Journal

Enhanced re-processability of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) via chain extension toward a more sustainable end-of-life

저자: Reza Salehiyan, Min Chan Kim, Tian Xia, Seunghyeon Jin, Mohammadreza Nofar, Lynn Chalmers, Kyu Hyun

영문초록: Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a biodegradable polymer recognized for its potential to reduce plastic waste due to its biodegradability and compostability. However, conventional end-of-life options for PBAT, such as composting and biodegradation, involve additional costs, require substantial space, and consume significant energy, which may not align with broader sus- tainability goals. Therefore, an alternative approach through recycling is highly desirable. This study investigates the recyclability of neat PBAT and Joncryl ADR 4468-modified PBAT with 0.5 wt% Joncryl, a multifunctional epoxy-based chain extender known to enhance the processing stability and properties of polymers. The research evaluates the tensile, flexural, thermal, and rheological properties of the materials after multiple injection molding cycles to provide comprehensive data on their performance under re-processing conditions. The results demonstrate that neat PBAT retains its tensile modulus with only a 6% reduction after seven cycles, while Joncryl-modified PBAT exhibits a 26% increase in modulus after five cycles, attributed to enhanced branching. Additionally, modified PBAT showed supe- rior rheological stability and resistance to thermal degradation compared to unmodified PBAT. This study highlights the potential of mechanical recycling to extend the lifecycle of biodegradable polymers, reducing environmental impact and conserving resources.