4. Conclusion
The biodegradable PLA/PBAT blends with various TBT concentrations were prepared in a twin-screw extruder. The mechanical properties of PLA/PBAT blends were improved significantly after the
incorporation of TBT; the blends with 0.5% TBT concentration gave
values of tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength
of 45 MPa, 298% and 9 kJ/m
2
, respectively. As demonstrated by
DMA results, the addition of TBT not only improved the storage
modulus of the blends and glass transition temperature but also
promoted the cold crystallization process of PLA. The SEM micrographs indicated that the compatibility between PLA and PBAT
can be improved via transesterification during melt-extrusion