Properties of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) and sunflower head residue biocomposites

ABSTRACT Utilization of low‐value agricultural waste for polymer composite materials has great environmental and economical benefits. Sunflower head residue (SHR) as an agricultural waste may be used as a reinforcement in polymeric materials because of its fiber characteristics. In this work, composites of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and SHR were prepared via melt‐extrusion compounding. To improve interfacial compatibility, maleic anhydride (MA) grafted PBAT (PBAT‐ g ‐MA) was prepared and used as a compatibilizer for the PBAT/SHR composites. The effects of the concentrations of SHR and PBAT‐ g ‐MA on the morphology, mechanical properties, melt rheology, and water resistance of the composites were examined. Interfacial adhesion between phases in the PBAT/SHR composites was enhanced by the introduction PBAT‐ g ‐MA as interface‐strengthening agent, resulting in improved mechanical properties and moisture resistance of the composite. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 44644.