Bamboo powders effectively reinforcing the modulus of PBAT composites and its reinforce mechanism

Abstract Bamboo has a short growth cycle and exists in large quantities in nature. This paper uses bamboo powders (BP) to reinforce polybutylene adipate/terephthalate (PBAT) modulus. The BP was surface modified by γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane (KH560), and compounded with PBAT in a twin-screw extruder. The results showed that the specific surface area and micropores of bamboo powders were considerably higher than that of common wood powders and cellulose. The tensile and flexural modulus of the composites increased 225% and 608%, respectively, when 25 wt% of modified bamboo powders (K-BP) was added, by comparing to that of pristine PBAT. The enhancement mechanism of K-BP was discussed, the large specific surface area and micropores of K-BP provided more anchoring sites, which effectively increased the interfacial binding force between K-BP and PBAT, and enhanced the nucleation ability of PBAT, thus improving the modulus of the composites. The results of this paper broadened the scope of application of PBAT.