Optimization of Maleinized Linseed Oil Loading as a Biobased Compatibilizer in Poly(Butylene Succinate) Composites with Almond Shell Flour

Abstract

Green composites of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) were manufactured with almond shell flour (ASF) by reactive compatibilization with maleinized linseed oil *MLO) by extrusion and subsequent injection molding. ASF was kept constant at 30 wt %, while the effect of different MLO loading on mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, and morphology properties was studied. Uncompatibilized PBS/ASF composites show a remarkable decrease in mechanical properties due to the nonexistent polymer‒filler interaction, as evidenced by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). MLO provides a plasticization effect on PBS/ASF composites but, in addition, acts as a compatibilizer agent since the maleic anhydride groups contained in MLO are likely to react with hydroxyl groups in both PBS end chains and ASF particles. This compatibilizing effect is observed by FESEM with a reduction of the gap between the filler particles and the surrounding PBS matrix. In addition, the T_g of PBS increases from -28 °C to -12 °C with an MLO content of 10 wt %, thus indicating compatibilization. MLO has been validated as an environmentally friendly additive to PBS/ASF composites to give materials with high environmental efficiency.