Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Poly(butadiene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) Nanocomposites Above and Below the Percolation Threshold

Due to its elastomer-like properties, poly(butadiene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a biodegradable polymer with a wide range of potential applications.  As nanofillers are used increasingly to alter the morphology, improve mechanical and barrier properties, and expand the applications of polymers and polymer blends, it is crucial to study the properties of nanocomposites at varying filler loadings.  The mechanical and rheological properties of composites are affected significantly as filler concentration is increased, particularly above the percolation threshold.  For composites with a thermoplastic matrix, it has been demonstrated that the elasticity decreases considerably above the percolation threshold as a result of solid-like behavior.  The aim of this work was to examine the mechanical and rheological properties of an elastomer-like matrix prepared with 1-10 volume-percent nanoparticles, in order to study the deformation mechanism of PBAT nanocomposites both below and above the percolation threshold.