Nanofillers-induced modifications in microstructure and properties of PBAT/PP blend: Enhanced rigidity, heat resistance, and electrical conductivity

Carbon nanotube (CNT) and organoclay (15A) were introduced separately and simultaneously into the poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/polypropylene (PP) blend to fabricate PBAT-based nanocomposites with maleated PP played as a compatibilizer. SEM and TEM analyses confirmed the CNT and 15A were predominantly distributed in the PBAT matrix and in the dispersed PP phase, respectively. Addition of sole CNT or 15A developed a quasi-co-continuous PBAT-PP morphology. CNT assisted the nucleation for both PBAT and PP crystallization, while 15A facilitated the nucleation for PP only. The heat distortion temperature of the blend increased 20 °C at 3-phr CNT loading. Adding hybrid fillers of CNT and 15A improved Young's modulus and flexural modulus by up to 35% and 144%, respectively, compared with those of the parent blend. The impact strength increased by up to 33% after 2-phr CNT loading. The electrical resistivity of the blend reduced by more than 9 orders at 3-phr CNT loading. [Display omitted] •PBAT/PP blend-based nanocomposites were fabricated by melt-mixing process.•CNT localized in PBAT matrix; a co-continuous PBAT-PP morphology formed.•Organoclay enhanced the thermal stability of PP phase in the nanocomposites.•Nanofillers increased the heat resistance and rigidity of the PBAT/PP blend.•The electrical resistivity reduced by more than 9 orders at 3-phr CNT loading.