Development of bio-based foams prepared from PBAT/PLA reinforced with bio-calcium carbonate compatibilized by electron-beam radiation

Abstract

In Brazil, the food industry generates every year huge amounts of avian eggshell waste, an industrial byproduct containing 95% of calcium carbonate, and its disposal constitutes a serious environmental hazard. This study aims to the development of bio-foams from PBAT/PLA blends reinforced with bio-calcium carbonate from eggshells. Composites were obtained by melting extrusion process, blending PBAT/PLA (50/50) with 25% of bio-calcium carbonate, PBAT/PLA (50/45) with 25% of bio-calcium carbonate and 5 % of pre-irradiated PLA and PBAT/PLA (50/40) with 25% of bio-calcium carbonate and 10 % of pre-irradiated PLA. PLA was previously e-beam irradiated at 150kGy in air and used as compatibilizer agent. The composites were then extruded in a Rheomex 332p single special screw for foaming. Samples were submitted to Tensile and Compression tests, MFI, DSC, TGA, XRD and FEG/SEM, analyses.