Enhanced Reactive Compatibilization of Bio-based Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3- hydroxyvalerate) / Poly(butylene succinate) Blends via Tolylene Diisocyanate

Tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) was used as a compatibilizer to modify the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) blend system. The morphology, structure, rheological and mechanical properties of the blends were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, parallel plate type rheometer and tensile testing. The results showed that the addition of TDI decreased the crystallization temperature of PHBV and PBS, as well as the average domain size of the dispersed phase of PHBV/PBS blends. At the same time, the addition of TDI led to an increase in dynamic complex viscosity and tensile strength, as well as a prominent increase in elongation at break, especially when the content of PBS was over 60%.