Investigating the Influence of Varied Seaweed Filler Content on the Thermal and Tensile Properties of Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) Bio-Composite

The objective of this work is to investigate the feasibility of including seaweed filler to enhance the structural properties of PBAT bio-composites. The study involves evaluating the suitability of various applications by conducting assessments of tensile performance, thermal characteristics, and microstructure analysis. In a mini-Rheomixer, different weight percentages (0wt%, 10wt%, 20wt%; 30wt% and 40wt%) seaweed fillers were mixed into a commercial biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix to produce bio-composite materials. Using a standard closed-mold hot press, five types of bio-composites were fabricated (PBAT, SW10, SW20, SW30 and SW40). It was observed that the addition of seaweed filler reduced the crystallinity of the bio-composites. The incorporation of seaweed altered the matrix's thermal stability. Furthermore, scanning electron micrographs of fractured surfaces of bio-composites revealed that the seaweed filler adhered more strongly to the PBAT matrix. No interfacial gaps or evidence of particle pullout from the matrix were discovered. The enhanced characteristics of the PBAT/seaweed bio-composites make them suitable for manufacturing pharmaceutical components and medical panels.