In this study, a polymer blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), and ethanolamine (MEA) (PLA/PBAT/MEA) was prepared. MEA made PLA/PBAT capable of transesterification reaction, acted as a catalyst of coupling reaction and improved the compatibility between PLA and PBAT. The structural and thermal properties of PLA/PBAT/MEA blend were characterized, and PLA/PBAT/MEA blend was used for the coupling agent of PLA/PBAT blend. In conclusion, the PLA/PBAT/MEA blend had an improved compatibility due to chemical coupling and showed a possibility as a coupling agent.

본 연구에서는 poly(lactic acid)(PLA), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT), ethanolamine(MEA) 블렌드를 제작하였다. MEA는 PLA/PBAT의 에스터 치환반응을 가능하게 하였고, 커플링반응의 촉매로써 작용하였으며, PLA와 PBAT간의 상용성을 증진하게 하였다. PLA/PBAT/MEA 블렌드의 구조 및 열적 특성을 관찰하였고, PLA/PBAT/MEA 블렌드를 PLA/PBAT 블렌드의 커플링제로 사용하였다. 결론적으로 PLA/PBAT/MEA 블렌드는 화학적 결합으로 인하여 상용성을 향상하였고, 커플링제로의 가능성을 보여주었다.

Keywords: PLA; PBAT; MEA; coupling agent; transesterification