The Effect of Nanoclay on the Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Polybutylenesuccinate Composites with Chitosan Additives

ABSTRACT The research is devoted to the elaboration of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) based plastic formulation with improved processability, increased stiffness and strength, better barrier properties, as well as antimicrobial effect. To reach the aim, PBS and its copolymer are evaluated as potential matrices for thermoplastic composites. Organically modified nanoclay in the range of 0.5 wt.%–8 wt.% is used to improve stiffness, strength and rheological behaviour of the nanocomposites. For extended applicability, different antimicrobial chitosan additives are used in the concentration range from 3 to 10 wt.%. The composition of the developed PBS hybrid composites is designed with a projection not to exceed the total filler content of 20 wt.%, thus maintaining its processability by a number of thermoplastics processing methods. Laboratory‐scale melt compounding technology of the designed PBS hybrid composites has been developed, and optimal processing conditions have been determined based on rheological investigations. Particular attention has been addressed to the evaluation of the addition of the antimicrobial chitosan additive to the melt processing behaviour and mechanical performance of the developed hybrid composites. It has been determined that although the processability window of the developed PBS hybrid composites is decreased by the chitosan additive, it demonstrates a certain synergetic reinforcing effect together with nanoclay.