What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to explore the effects of different compatibilization sequences on PLA/PBAT blends.

February 8, 2026Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research1 citationsOpen Access

Sequence-Dependent Compatibilization in PLA/PBAT Blends with Joncryl ADR Chain Extender: Insights from Linear and Nonlinear Rheology for Recycling Efficiency and Melt Stability

RSReza SalehiyanEdinburgh Napier University HSHyeong Yong SongDepartment of Energy and Environment SBSanaz Soleymani Eil BakhtiariEdinburgh Napier University

Key Points

The research aims to explore the effects of different compatibilization sequences on PLA/PBAT blends.
Conducted small-amplitude and large-amplitude oscillatory shear tests.
Examined blends with various compatibilization sequences: neat, simultaneous dosing, and prereaction.
Utilized Fourier-transform analysis and Chebyshev decomposition for data interpretation.
Performed isothermal time-sweep tests to assess thermal stability.
Identified optimal compatibilization routes that maximize linear elasticity based on blend composition.
Demonstrated that PLA/PBAT/ADR showed superior performance in 50/50 blends.
Chebyshev e3 indicated strain-stiffening due to long-chain branching; Q0 quantified waveform distortion.
Noted continuous reaction during processing for PLA/PBAT/ADR in 50/50 blends and thermal stability for (PBAT + ADR)/PLA in 70/30 blends.

Abstract

Poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blends require compatibilization to reconcile stiffness with ductility, particularly after thermal histories typical of recycling. Epoxy-functional chain extenders (Joncryl ADR) are widely used, yet the interplay between blend sequence and deformation amplitude remains underexplored. We compare four routes, neat, simultaneous dosing (PLA/PBAT/ADR), and two prereaction sequences (PLA + ADR)/PBAT and (PBAT + ADR)/PLA, for PLA-rich (70/30) and balanced (50/50) compositions using small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) tests, large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) tests with Fourier-transform (FT) analysis and Chebyshev decomposition, and isothermal time-sweep tests. SAOS results show a composition-dependent optimal route; (PBAT + ADR)/PLA maximizes the linear elasticity in (70/30), whereas PLA/PBAT/ADR is superior in (50/50). Chebyshev e3 (elastic third-order coefficient) tracks intracycle strain-stiffening driven by long-chain branching and interfacial bridging, while zero-strain nonlinear parameter Q0 quantifies the overall degree of waveform distortion without distinguishing its elastic or viscous origin; consequently, Q0 and e3 can rank materials differently. Time-sweeps results indicate continued reaction for PLA/PBAT/ADR at (50/50) and thermal stability for (PBAT + ADR)/PLA at (70/30). We map these signatures to processing and recycling; the optimal sequences deliver high low-shear melt strength with bounded high-shear dissipation, provided residence time and temperature are controlled to avoid over-reaction.

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