Abstract: An epoxy resin was introduced into PLA/PBAT blends as a compatibilizer by melt blending using a twin screw extruder. The effect of the compatihilizer on thermal performance, mechanical properties, and microstructure of PLA/PBAT blends were investigated. It showed that the interface bonding force in the blends was enhanced by the compatibilizer, and the comprehensive mechanical properties of the blend were increased greatly. An inclusion of 14 phr compatibilizer increased the impact strength and elongation at break from 268 kJ/m2 to 621 kJ/m2 and 222 % to 357 %, respectively.

Key words: polylactic acid, poly(butyleneadipatecoterephthalate), phase morphology, compatibilization effect