Polylactic acid (PLA) as a tolerant on the thermomechanical and compostability behaviour of poly(butylene adipate‐<i>co</i>‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) blend

Abstract Poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is a biodegradable copolyester consisting of aliphatic and aromatic components, specifically butylene adipate and butylene terephthalate. PBAT offers mechanical properties comparable to those of conventional plastics but is approximately three times more expensive than low‐density polyethylene. Conversely, biopolymers such as starch are cost‐effective but lack sufficient mechanical strength on their own. In this study, the impact of thermoplastic starch (TPS) on the properties of PBAT‐based biodegradable mulch films was investigated. The role of PBAT grafted with maleic anhydride and maleated TPS as compatibilizers in varying compositions of PBAT/TPS blends was examined. The proportion of TPS was maintained at 30%, while PBAT was adjusted to 70% and 60%, focusing on the cost‐effective production of the films. Notably, the addition of 10% polylactic acid as a tolerance enhancer led to significant improvements in the mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of the films. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.