Some effects of foaming of the poly(butylene adipate‐<i>co</i>‐terephthalate) modified by electron radiation

Abstract

Investigation of the effect of electron radiation and foaming agent on some properties of poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐terephthalate) (PBAT) was the aim of the present paper. The mass flow rate, weight‐average molecular weight of irradiated PBAT as well as the morphological structure of foamed samples, their density, tensile strength, and specific strength were determined. It was found that irradiation of PBAT induces growth in weight‐average molecular weight and decrease in mass flow rate, and as a consequence of this increase in viscosity of this polymer. It was also found that foaming of irradiated PBAT causes formation of homogeneous cellular structure or structure with a clear separation of large and small cells. Simultaneously, the irradiated and foamed PBAT shows smaller density than that of non‐irradiated and foamed PBAT. Moreover, electron radiation does not influence tensile strength of the foamed PBAT; however, it increases its specific strength, although only if the content of foaming agent is 1 wt%.