Combined effects of Sepiolite and Cloisite 30B on morphology and properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/polylactide blends

The aim of the work was to investigate the combined effect of Sepiolite and Cloisite 30B on the morphology and properties of PHBV/PLA 50/50 w/w blend. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed that the morphology of PHBV/PLA blend was relatively regular and homogeneous in the presence of Cloisite 30B and Sepiolite compared to the virgin blend, indicating a better compatibility between the two base polymers. The thermal stability of PHBV/PLA blend was enhanced by the clay fillers. Modulus and hardness were also increased in comparison with the virgin blend. The rheological measurements showed a significant increase in both the complex viscosity and storage modulus of the filled blend due to interactions between the clays fillers and the PHBV/PLA blend.