Freitas A.L.P.D.L.Tonini Filho L.R.Calvao P.S.Souza A.M.C.D.2019-08-202019-08-202017FREITAS, ANA LÚCIA PERRONE DE L.; TONINI FILHO, LUIZ ROBERTO; CALVÃO, PATRÍCIA SCHMID; SOUZA, ADRIANA M. CATELLI DE. Effect of montmorillonite and chain extender on rheological, morphological and biodegradation behavior of PLA/PBAT blends. POLYMER TESTING, v. 62, p. 189-195, 2017.0142-9418https://repositorio.fei.edu.br/handle/FEI/2312© 2017 Elsevier LtdThe effect of montmorillonite clay (MMT) and/or chain extender (CE) on rheological, morphological and biodegradation properties of PLA/PBAT blend was investigated. The biodegradation behavior was evaluated by CO2 evolution in soil burial. CE incorporation resulted in an increase in the complex viscosity of PLA/PBAT blends, an increase in PLA crystallinity and a decrease in the dispersed phase diameter. MMT incorporation resulted in an increase in the complex viscosity, more pronounced shear-thinning behavior and a decrease in the dispersed phase diameter. CE incorporation resulted in a slight effect in the rheological properties of PLA/PBAT blend in the presence of MMT. Unfilled PLA/PBAT blend presented the highest amount of evolved CO2, and the micrographs indicated that degradation tends to occur on the surface. MMT delayed biodegradation of PLA/PBAT blends even although their surfaces presented some cracks and holes in a few localized regions. PLA/PBAT + CE blend presented the lowest amount of evolved CO2.Acesso AbertoArtigo10.1016/j.polymertesting.2017.06.030BiodegradationChain extenderMontmorillonite clayPLA/PBAT blends