Abstract: Poly (lactic acid)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephtlate) (PLA/PBAT) blends were prepared using multi-functional epoxy compound as a reactive compatibilizer. The effects of the compatbilizer content on the crystallization and rheological behavior of PLA/PBAT blends were characterized and discussed. Results showed that the addition of compatibilizer greatly improved the rheological properties and affected crystallization behaviors of PLA/PBAT blends. Subsequently, PLA/PBAT blends with various compatibilizer contents were foamed with supercritical CO2. The foaming structure, cellular size, and cellular density were investigated. Results showed that the cellular structure was improved with the increasing compatbilizer content due to the enhanced rheological properties.

Key words: poly (lactic acid), poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthlate), compatibilitizer, blend, foaming