Thesis (M.Sc.)--Chulalongkorn University, 2009

Blends of PBAT and PLA filled with hydrophilic silica, hydrophobic silica and calcium carbonate nanoparticles were prepared by twin screw extruder and compression molding with fillers content at 1, 3 and 6 phr. Effects of fillers on morphology was investigated by SEM from which better distribution of the PBAT dispersed phase in PLA matrix was found in polymer blend nanocomposite. The incorporation of fillers increased the tensile strength, tensile modulus and elongation resulted from enhanced interfacial compatibility. DSC thermograms indicated that the crystallization rate was enhanced by fillers. DMA results revealed the storage modulus imparted by fillers. The permeatability by WVTR of PBAT/PLA blends was decreased by fillers addition. The light transmittance of PBAT/PLA blends was decreased by the addition of fillers. The biodegradability test using by Proteinase K method of PBAT/PLA blends decreased by fillers addition. After the enzymatic degradation, pores were widely distributed on the surface of the films. The filler hampered enzymatic degradation.