POS9-1273
Mechanically Reinforced Biodegradable Nanocomposite Films Enabled by a Dual-Functional Additive
Topic
S9. Polymer Technology for Sustainability
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Jinkee HONG
Ki Su KIM
Presenter(s)
Chaeeun Moon (Korea Institute of Industrial Technology(KITECH))
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
In this study, mechanically reinforced biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/poly(lactic acid) (PBAT/PLA) nanocomposite films were developed using a molecularly designed dual-functional additive. PBAT/PLA blends have been used as biodegradable polymer blends, but their intrinsic immiscibility leads to phase separation, weak interfacial adhesion, and inefficient stress transfer. In addition, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) serve as reinforcing fillers, but their strong tendency to aggregate and limited compatibility with polymer matrices limit their reinforcing efficiency.
To address these limitations, a multifunctional additive containing PLA chains and heterocyclic moieties was designed and synthesized to perform two complementary roles: compatibilization of the immiscible PBAT/PLA blend and dispersion/interfacial mediation of CNFs. The PLA segments enhanced affinity with the biodegradable matrix and contributed to blend compatibilization, while the heterocyclic moieties promoted hydrogen-bonding interactions with CNFs. The additive modified the CNF surface, and the resulting additive-integrated CNFs were incorporated into the PBAT/PLA matrix to fabricate biodegradable nanocomposite films.
The dual-functional additive improved CNF dispersion, strengthened matrix–filler interfacial adhesion, and enhanced stress transfer within the PBAT/PLA blend system. As a result, the nanocomposite film exhibited improved mechanical properties compared with the control, achieving a tensile strength of 19.37 MPa, elongation at break of 579.61%, Young's modulus of 155.27 MPa, and toughness of 403.62 N/mm². Molecular simulations were employed to elucidate the interactions responsible for improved mechanical performance. These results demonstrate that dual-functional additive-assisted nanocomposite design is an effective strategy for overcoming both blend immiscibility and CNF aggregation, providing a route to mechanically robust biodegradable nanocomposites.
To address these limitations, a multifunctional additive containing PLA chains and heterocyclic moieties was designed and synthesized to perform two complementary roles: compatibilization of the immiscible PBAT/PLA blend and dispersion/interfacial mediation of CNFs. The PLA segments enhanced affinity with the biodegradable matrix and contributed to blend compatibilization, while the heterocyclic moieties promoted hydrogen-bonding interactions with CNFs. The additive modified the CNF surface, and the resulting additive-integrated CNFs were incorporated into the PBAT/PLA matrix to fabricate biodegradable nanocomposite films.
The dual-functional additive improved CNF dispersion, strengthened matrix–filler interfacial adhesion, and enhanced stress transfer within the PBAT/PLA blend system. As a result, the nanocomposite film exhibited improved mechanical properties compared with the control, achieving a tensile strength of 19.37 MPa, elongation at break of 579.61%, Young's modulus of 155.27 MPa, and toughness of 403.62 N/mm². Molecular simulations were employed to elucidate the interactions responsible for improved mechanical performance. These results demonstrate that dual-functional additive-assisted nanocomposite design is an effective strategy for overcoming both blend immiscibility and CNF aggregation, providing a route to mechanically robust biodegradable nanocomposites.
