Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia
https://revistapolimeros.org.br/article/doi/10.1590/0104-1428.20250013
Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia
Original Article

Characterization of PBAT bioplastic with Brazil nut urchin particles

Bruno Mello de Freitas; Carlos do Amaral Razzino; Paulo Noronha Lisboa Filho

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0104-1428.20250013 Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia, vol.35, n4, e20250048, 2025
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Abstract

This study developed PBAT (poly[butylene adipate-co-terephthalate]) biocomposites with 10 wt% and 20 wt% Brazil nut urchin particles by extrusion and injection. TGA showed thermal stability up to 275°C (10 wt%) and 250°C (20 wt%), with degradation peaks near 400°C. XRD indicated maintained crystallinity, with the 10 wt% composite having the highest peak intensity (5254 a.u.). FTIR confirmed molecular interactions through characteristic OH (3442 cm−1) and C=O (1710-1720 cm−1) peaks. SEM revealed better surface integrity at 10 wt%, while 20 wt% showed porosity and poor adhesion. Tensile strength decreased from 9.36 MPa (PBAT) to 7.08 MPa (10 wt%) and 6.7 MPa (20 wt%). Elongation reduced, whereas Young’s modulus increased to 210 MPa (10 wt%) and 316 MPa (20 wt%). Shore D hardness improved by over 40%, but impact resistance dropped by up to 88%. These biocomposites show potential for applications requiring higher stiffness and hardness, contributing to sustainable plastic alternatives.

 

 

Keywords

composite materials, forest residues, biopolymers, PBAT, Brazil nut urchin

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