Preparation and characterization of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polybutylene adipate-terephthalate (PBAT) biodegradable blends

Biodegradable polymer films based on polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) blends with varying weight ratios were prepared by extrusion and chill roll calendering. The films were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheology. In the blends with higher content of PBAT, PBS crystallization was inhibited. As for mechanical performance, increasing the PBS content in PBAT an increase in the stiffness and a decrease in the ductility of the blends is detected. Finally, rheological measurements evidence an increase in the viscosity of the blends with increasing the PBAT content.