Interfacial Engineering of <scp>PLA</scp> – <scp>PBAT</scp> Biopolymer Blends Using Novel Etheramide Compatibilizers and Peroxide Crosslinkers

ABSTRACT The immiscibility of polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐terephthalate) (PBAT) presents a significant challenge in developing biodegradable polymer blends with balanced mechanical and thermal performance. This study investigates the compatibilization efficiency of two novel etheramide derivatives, PEA D230‐OCT and PEA D230‐BENZ, synthesized via amidation reactions involving polyetheramine (D230), octanoyl chloride, and benzoyl chloride, respectively. These compatibilizers were incorporated into PLA‐PBAT blends at varying ratios, with and without dicumyl peroxide (DCP), to assess their influence on blend morphology, mechanical strength, thermal stability, rheological behavior, and crystallinity. Structural characterization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, while performance enhancements were quantified using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, x‐ray diffraction, rheometry, and tensile testing. Results demonstrated that both compatibilizers significantly improved interfacial adhesion, with PEA D230‐BENZ enhancing tensile strength and modulus, and PEA D230‐OCT contributing to superior elongation at break and flexibility. The effects with DCP further optimized mechanical and thermal properties. These findings offer a promising approach for designing high‐performance biodegradable polymer blends for packaging applications, contributing to the advancement of sustainable material technologies.