Toughening and Heat-Resistant Modification of Degradable PLA/PBS-Based Composites by Using Glass Fiber/Silicon Dioxide Hybrid Fillers

Abstract

In this paper, to enhance the toughness and heat resistance properties of polylactic acid (PLA)/polybutylene succinate (PBS) composites, the PLA/PBS matrix was modified by different glass fiber (GF), GF/SiO2, and GF/(Polyaluminium chloride) PAC fillers. Additionally, the effect of filler type, filler content, components interaction and composite structure on the mechanical and thermal properties of the PLA/PBS composites was researched. The results showed that the addition of GF, GF/SiO2 and GF/PAC make the PLA/PBS composites appear significantly higher mechanical properties compared with the pristine PLA/PBS composite. Among the different inorganic fillers, the 10%GF/1%SiO2 fillers showed excellent strengthening, toughening and heat resistant effects. Compared with the pristine PLA/PBS matrix, the tensile strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus and Izod impact strength improved by 36.28%, 70.74%, 67.95%, 66.61% and 135.68%, respectively. Considering the above, when the weight loss rate was 50%, the thermal decomposition temperature of the 10%GF/1%SiO2 modified PLA/PBS composites was the highest 412.83 °C and its Vicat softening point was up to 116.8 °C. In a word, the 10%GF/1%SiO2 reinforced PLA/PBS composites exhibit excellent mechanical and thermal properties, which broadens the application of biodegradable materials in specific scenarios.