Abstract: An unsaturated ester compound(DT) was added to poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipatecoterephthalate) (PBAT) blends as a compatibilizer through a twin screw extruder. The influence of DT on the compatibility, crystallization behavior, thermogravimetric and mechanical properties were investigated by scanning election microscope, rotational rheometer, polarized optical microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric, and mechanical property tests. It was found that interface adhesion was increased with moderate DT and contributed to a preferable compatibility between PLA and PBAT. Elongation at break increased by 46.3 % while adding 0.3 wt% DT, and the same amount of DT gave rise to the excess of impact strength measuring range.

Key words: poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), compatibilizer, crystallization, toughness