The biodegradability, morphology, and mechanical properties of composite materials made of
poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and peanut husks (PH) were evaluated. Composites
containing maleic anhydride-grafted PBAT (PBAT-g-MA/PH) exhibited noticeably superior mechanical
properties because of greater compatibility between the two components. The dispersion of PH in the
PBAT-g-MA matrix was highly homogeneous as a result of ester formation between the anhydride
carboxyl groups of PBAT-g-MA and hydroxyl groups in PH and the consequent creation of branched and
cross-linked macromolecules. Each composite was subjected to biodegradation tests in Aminobacter
aminovorans compost. Morphological observations indicated severe disruption of film structure after 60
days of incubation, and both the PBAT and the PBAT-g-MA/PH composite films were eventually
completely degraded. Water resistance of PBAT-g-MA/PH was higher than that of PBAT/PH, although the
weight loss of composites buried in A. aminovorans compost indicated that both were biodegradable,
even at high levels of PH substitution. The PBAT-g-MA/PH films were more biodegradable than those
made of PBAT, implying a strong connection between these characteristics and biodegradability.