Disclosing the complex crystallization of PBAT/PLA/Babassu biocompounds through MDSC analysis

Biocompounds based on poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA) were produced at 50:50 with 1% and 5% of Babassu. Modulated differential scanning calorimetry was employed to elucidate their complex melt and cold crystallizations and recrystallization. Heat flow signals under applied amplitudes/frequencies did not significantly change; hence, 1 K/60 s was selected to perform the crystallization tests. From the non-reversing heat flow signal, higher cooling/heating rates led to higher crystallization rates, and under higher heating rates much PLA’s polymorphic crystalline phase is produced. PLA’s recrystallization which occurs within its melting increased with Babassu addition. Dynamic mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscopy indicated absence of Babassu aggregates resulted from the proper processing, adding PBAT to PLA improved the energy dissipation mechanisms as translated through higher stress support; related to Babassu adding 1% to PBAT/PLA the stress was improved and it acted as toughening agent. PBAT/PLA/Babassu besides environmentally safe are industrially advantageous once provide options for application such as food packing and general products.