The effect of tetra-needle-like zinc oxide whisker as additive on the crystallization kinetics of polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactic acid blend

Herein, we investigate the effect of the addition of tetra-needle-like zinc oxide whisker (T-ZnOw), a novel reinforcing additive, on the melt crystallization behavior of biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)/polylactic acid (PLA) polymer blends. PBAT and PLA were blended in a Haake mixer at a fixed weight ratio of 70/30, and the contents of T-ZnOw varied from 0 to 7 wt%. The melt thermal properties and crystallization behavior of PBAT/PLA blends and PBAT/PLA/T-ZnOw composites were studied using differential scanning calorimetry. The kinetics of melt crystallization have been quantitatively explained using a range of mathematical formalisms. The Avrami equation is adopted to analyze the isothermal crystallization process and kinetics of PBAT/PLA/T-ZnOw composites. For its nonisothermal crystallization process and kinetics, the Ozawa equation cannot describe the entire process, while the Jeziomy-modified Avrami equation can only describe the initial stage of its nonisothermal crystallization. Using Mo-analysis, the impact of T-ZnOw contents on the composite's nonisothermal crystallization kinetic has been thoroughly examined. Given that the PBAT/PLA blend system's crystal formation may be inhibited by T-ZnOw, the observation demonstrates that T-ZnOw only marginally alters this process. The work is of significant scientific value and adds a new concept to the development of sustainable thin film for packaging. Highlights T-ZnOw is used as a novel additive for PBAT/PLA polymer blends. The crystallization of PBAT/PLA/T-ZnOw composite systems is thoroughly examined. T-ZnOw marginally reduces the kinetics of the crystallization process of PBAT/PLA blends. PBAT/PLA/T-ZnOw composites follow volume nucleation with mixed 2D/1D growth. The nonisothermal crystallization of PBAT/PLA/T-ZnOw composites is validated by Mo-analysis.