ABSTRACT One of the most significant challenges to overcome in the plastic industry is the development of sustainable, closed‐loop recycling methods. Within this waste, specifically, there is the challenge of trying to separate and recycle multilayer films. This study investigated twin‐screw extrusion methods to recycle linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films via glycolysis, using ethylene glycol (EG/MEG), diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), and bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) through depolymerization reactions and subsequent in‐melt separation. This paper focuses on identifying the best depolymerization catalyst and content, whereas a future paper focuses on the actual in‐melt separation process. The depolymerization method results in low‐molecular‐weight (Mw) PET, which is suitable for extraction from high‐viscosity LLDPE in a twin‐screw extruder (TSE). Once separated, each polymer can be further chemically mechanically upcycled to create a closed loop recycling method. The first factor studied will be the effect of two different depolymerizing reagents, EG (MEG, DEG, TEG) and BHET, to determine which is more efficient. Second, the percentages of reagents incorporated into the reactions were studied. Finally, the depolymerization reaction time was determined. The results revealed that 8% DEG/TEG or 10% BHET was the most effective at depolymerizing PET for extraction from 61,700 to 6500 g/mol.
ABSTRACT Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a widely used elastomer owing to its flexibility, optical clarity, ease of processing, and biocompatibility. However, its application in high‐performance systems is often limited by poor mechanical strength, modest thermal endurance, and high gas permeability. Recent advances in additive‐assisted modification using carbon‐based, inorganic, and hybrid nanofillers have demonstrated significant improvements in rheological, mechanical, thermal, and functional performance. This review critically examines the influence of nanofillers on PDMS, focusing on reinforcement mechanisms, rheological behavior, and multifunctional properties. The mechanisms governing property improvements, such as filler–matrix interactions, interfacial bonding, dispersion quality, and surface functionalization, are analyzed in detail. Comparisons are drawn among carbon‐based materials, inorganic fillers, and hybrid systems to provide a comprehensive understanding of structure–property relationships. Applications in microfluidics, flexible electronics, biomedical systems, and protective coatings are also highlighted. Finally, current challenges related to dispersion, large‐scale processing, and biocompatibility are discussed, together with future opportunities in hybrid reinforcement, sustainable additives, and data‐driven materials design for next‐generation PDMS technologies.
ABSTRACT The increasing environmental presence of microplastics and nanoplastics constitutes a critical concern for environmental integrity and public health, with notable repercussions across aquatic systems, terrestrial ecosystems, and both human and animal health. These particles—defined by their dimensions of less than 5 mm—mainly originate from direct production (primary microplastics) or from the breakdown of larger plastic materials (secondary microplastics) via degradation and fragmentation processes. Polymer blends currently represent an acknowledged contributor to this phenomenon, as they incorporate both a dispersed phase, already in the microplastic size range, and a continuous matrix that, upon degradation, generates further microparticles, thus acting as both primary and secondary sources of microplastics (and nanoplastics). Despite this, the actual behavior of polymer blends—especially those based on polyolefins and polyesters—remains underexplored. In the present study, two types of polyolefin/polyester blends, one with a compatibilizing agent and one without, were subjected to mechanical fragmentation and photo‐oxidative degradation in order to replicate the most common microplastic formation pathways. The results revealed that exposure to photo‐oxidation significantly increases the release of microplastics, whereas compatibilization markedly decreases this release, both in pristine and weathered samples. These results underscore the critical role of morphological characteristics and compatibilization strategies in influencing microplastics generation.
ABSTRACT Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) resin is a critical engineering fluoroplastic owing to its exceptional chemical and thermal resistance; however, inherent electrical insulation and moderate mechanical strength restrict its application in extreme environments. Herein, a hybrid filler system comprising graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is introduced to synergistically enhance the multifunctional properties of PFA. To ensure uniform dispersion, ultrasonic solution dispersion coupled with melt extrusion was employed. Results demonstrate that an optimal formulation of 1.0 phr GNPs and 6.0 phr MWCNTs yields superior filler dispersion. Mechanistically, the one‐dimensional MWCNTs intercalate into the two‐dimensional GNPs to provide robust steric hindrance against graphene restacking, constructing a dense three‐dimensional interconnected network. Consequently, Raman spectroscopy revealed an I 2D / I G ratio of 1.156, indicating effective exfoliation. The PFA crystallite size was refined to 7.906 nm with composite crystallinity reaching 49.98%, while the temperature at 50% weight loss T 0.5 increased to 554.85°C. Crucially, the composite achieved an electrical conductivity of 4.51 S/m. Mechanically, the yield strength improved to 35.60 MPa while retaining an elongation at break of 81.53%, effectively circumventing typical severe embrittlement. This study provides a robust pathway for developing high‐performance PFA composites tailored for antistatic, high‐load, and high‐temperature applications.
ABSTRACT Polylactic acid (PLA) combines renewable sourcing and reliable printability with limited stiffness retention near its glass‐transition region. This study examines how annealing at 90°C, 110°C, 130°C, and 150°C for 30 min affects FDM‐printed high‐temperature PLA (HT‐PLA) and 12 wt% glass‐fiber‐reinforced HT‐PLA (HT‐PLA‐GF). Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, orientation‐dependent mechanical tests, tensile‐fracture SEM, and three‐point‐bending dynamic mechanical analysis were evaluated together. DSC calculations showed that the homocrystalline contribution of neat HT‐PLA increased from 26.14% as printed to 50.33% at 110°C, whereas HT‐PLA‐GF approached a plateau near 38% between 110°C and 150°C. At 150°C, longitudinal tensile strength decreased by 25.1% for HT‐PLA and 40.4% for HT‐PLA‐GF, while transverse flexural strength decreased by 37.0% and 49.5%, respectively. SEM revealed layer‐related discontinuities in transverse neat HT‐PLA and a mixed composite failure morphology involving fiber pull‐out, fiber fracture, sockets, and matrix tearing. Annealing nevertheless improved elevated‐temperature stiffness retention. The DMA‐derived apparent HDT‐1.80 MPa increased from 65.7°C to 85.7°C for neat HT‐PLA and from 66.9°C to 114.6°C for HT‐PLA‐GF. The results demonstrate that improved thermal stiffness does not imply improved failure strength. Within the investigated conditions, 90°C provided the most balanced response, whereas 150°C maximized apparent heat‐deflection resistance at the cost of substantial tensile and flexural penalties.
ABSTRACT The growing demand for continuous and reliable physiological monitoring has accelerated the development of flexible wearable healthcare devices. However, conventional systems often suffer from mechanical failure and performance degradation under repeated deformation. In this context, self‐healing (SH) polymeric materials have emerged as an effective strategy to enhance device durability and operational stability. This review presents recent advances in the polymer engineering of SH materials, emphasizing their ability to restore both mechanical integrity and electrical functionality after damage. SH mechanisms are categorized into dynamic covalent polymer networks, including imine, disulfide, and Diels–Alder chemistries, and supramolecular polymer interactions such as hydrogen bonding, ionic interactions, and metal–ligand coordination. The relationship between these polymer‐based mechanisms and material performance is discussed, with focus on key factors such as healing time, polymer composition, and network architecture. Furthermore, the role of conductive, semiconductive, and dielectric polymer systems in applications such as electronic skin, wearable sensors, energy devices, and implantable bioelectronics is examined. Overall, self‐healing polymer systems demonstrate strong potential to improve the reliability, flexibility, and longevity of next‐generation wearable healthcare technologies.
ABSTRACT Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), derived from natural rubber, has emerged as a viable bio‐based alternative to petroleum‐derived solution‐polymerized styrene‐butadiene rubber (SSBR) in green tire applications, owing to its enhanced mechanical properties and wet skid resistance. However, in traditional mixing processes, the distinct polarity and reactivity differences between silica, ENR, and natural rubber (NR) inevitably lead to the preferential migration and severe agglomeration of silica in the ENR matrix, resulting in a heterogeneous network and compromised mechanical performance. To address this, a novel two‐stage mixing strategy based on silica pre‐dispersion was employed in this work. An NR/silica masterbatch was initially prepared to ensure silica dispersion, followed by a second mixing stage with ENR to fabricate a series of nanocomposites. The phase morphology and silica dispersion mechanism were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy‐nano‐Fourier transform infrared (AFM‐Nano‐FTIR). The results revealed that this strategy facilitates strong affinity and reactivity between silica, NR and ENR, establishing a “double‐coupling” network structure. Consequently, compared to traditional one‐stage mixing process, the composites prepared via the two‐stage mixing process exhibited significantly improved filler dispersion, enhanced wet skid resistance, and superior mechanical properties.
ABSTRACT For organic–inorganic composites of epoxy with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), dispersion of POSS is ‐ pivotal to influence the thermomechanical properties of materials. However, this effect has scarcely been investigated. This work is to unlock the correlation of morphologies with thermal, mechanical, surface, and dielectric properties. Toward this end, we first synthesized two structurally similar double decker silsesquioxanes (DDSQs), which carry two nitrophenyl and aminophenyl groups, respectively. Both of the POSS cages were exploited to gain the organic–inorganic composites with epoxy thermosets. It was found that the nuanced difference in functional groups between these DDSQ macromers led to a significant difference in the morphologies of composites. For the composites containing 3,13‐dinitrophenyl DDSQ, the phase‐separated morphologies on the micrometer scale were exhibited. In contrast, the composites with 3,13‐diaminophenyl DDSQ displayed the phase separation on the nanometer scale. The significant difference in morphologies resulted in the quite different thermal, mechanical, surface, and dielectric properties. The results of this work demonstrate that it is critical to regulate the morphologies for the control over the properties of organic–inorganic composites of epoxy with POSS.
ABSTRACT Due to its high surface polarity and tendency to agglomerate, sepiolite exhibits weak interfacial bonding with the nonpolar natural rubber (NR) matrix, leading to poor mechanical and dynamic properties. This limits the high‐value application of natural minerals in high‐performance NR composites. In this paper, a hydrogen bond network‐enhanced ternary deep eutectic solvent (CGA–DES) was prepared using glycerol and aspartic acid as dual hydrogen bond donors and choline chloride as the hydrogen bond acceptor. The effects of CGA–DES dosage on filler dispersion, vulcanization characteristics, mechanical properties, aging resistance, and dynamic mechanical properties of sepiolite/NR composites were investigated. SEM showed that CGA–DES promoted the dispersion of sepiolite and its interfacial bonding with NR. When 2 phr of CGA–DES were added, the processing flowability of the compound was improved, the vulcanization time was shortened, the mechanical properties and aging resistance were enhanced, and the rolling resistance decreased, resulting in the best overall performance. Compared with the unmodified Sep/NR, the tensile strength, tensile product coefficient, aging coefficient, and DIN abrasion volume of 2 CGA/Sep/NR reached 20.15 MPa, 11801.98, 0.32, and 0.198 cm 3 , which improved by 67%, 82%, 78%, and 21%, respectively. Meanwhile, the rolling resistance decreased by 54%, and better dynamic mechanical properties were achieved. Aspartic acid contains both carboxyl and amino functional groups, enabling the formation of an enhanced hydrogen‐bonding network with sepiolite and facilitating more effective crosslinking reactions during the vulcanization process. This paper provides a new approach for regulating filler–rubber interfacial interactions by using a bio‐based deep eutectic solvent, which is expected to promote the development of high‐performance green tires and rubber products.
ABSTRACT Biodegradable polymer–based controlled‐release fertilizers (CRFs) offer an environmentally friendly approach to enhancing nutrient use efficiency while minimizing ecological impacts. In this study, poly (lactic acid) (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and their blends were investigated as carrier matrices for potassium (K + ). Composites containing 10 wt% potassium sulfate (KS) were produced by melt compounding, followed by comprehensive characterization of their physical, thermal, rheological, mechanical, and K + release performances. The density results confirmed uniform dispersion of KS throughout all formulations. Melt flow index and rheological behaviors revealed that CA content governed melt fluidity, while KS slightly reduced viscosity without compromising processability. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that increasing CA content suppressed PLA crystallinity (from 4% to 2.9% for the blends with no KS loaded and from 5.4% to 3.7% for KS blends) and promoted predominantly amorphous structures, with CA further modulating chain mobility depending on the material composition. The tensile behaviors indicated that PLA contributed strength and stiffness, while CA enhanced ductility; however, limited interfacial compatibility resulted in non‐linear responses, and KS incorporation caused a moderate decline in tensile strength (~17.4%). The K + release studies demonstrated strong dependence on both polymer composition and release environment, where PLA40‐CA60/10% KS exhibited enhanced and tunable K + release, while soil condition produced slower and more complicated release profiles ( n values > 0.5) compared with water condition ( n values < 0.5). Overall, these findings demonstrate that PLA–CA composites effectively mitigate nutrient losses from leaching and percolation, while offering excellent processability and environmental sustainability.
ABSTRACT Aromatic hydrocarbons (HRs) find many commercial applications, demanding control of the cationic reaction conditions to achieve specific resin properties. For this reason, in the present work a systematic and original investigation of C9 HR production through AlCl 3 cationic polymerization is presented, with particular emphasis on the role of water, which was treated not as a passive impurity but as a quantified and optimized co‐catalyst. The effects of temperature, solvent, catalyst loading, and catalyst: co‐catalyst ratio were evaluated and correlated with reaction performance and resin properties. The results showed that all reactions provided minimum conversions of 50% and exhibited exothermic peaks up to 20°C, indicating successful polymerization and leading to products with average molar masses exceeding 1.3 kDa. In particular, water was found to significantly influence reaction exothermicity and polymer yield, confirming its role in the formation of active species, while average molar masses and softening points (Ts) were less sensitive to reaction conditions (between 50°C and 70°C). The experimental design was extended to different solvents and increased solvent contents, particularly toluene, enabling extrapolation beyond the initial design space. These results provide a systematic framework for the optimization of HRs synthesis and establish water as a critical design variable in the investigated systems. Multifactorial analysis revealed key correlations among process variables, including a consistent inverse relationship between resin yield and softening point (Ts), highlighting an intrinsic trade‐off in process optimization that has been overlooked in previous studies performed with model and pure monomer feeds.
ABSTRACT This study evaluates the meltblown processing behavior of Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT), one of promising biodegradable polymers, and investigates the complex processing–structure–property relationships inherent in meltblown fabrication by using a Biax meltblowing system, which features a multi‐row spinneret and a concentric air‐stream design. With Die A ( d = 510 μm), stable meltblown formation was achieved over a temperature range of 210°C–240°C with high polymer throughput. Throughput and processing temperature greatly influence the structure and properties of the meltblown produced with this die. In contrast, Die B ( d = 230 μm) exhibited a much narrower processing window of 230°C–240°C and a maximum polymer throughput of 0.07 g/min. The produced nonwovens generally exhibited poor tensile properties and lower web uniformity. Nevertheless, Die B could produce finer fibers with enhanced barrier performance. The highest barrier performance and fabric toughness was achieved at DCD values of 350–400 mm. Decreasing throughput and air pressure enhanced barrier properties while minimally affecting tensile properties. This study demonstrates the potential adaptation of PBAT polymer in existing meltblown equipment while highlighting the unique characteristics of PBAT polymer behavior in meltblowing process.
ABSTRACT Solution‐phase ethylene polymerization was conducted in a modified batch reactor equipped with a pressurized injection system for safer transfer of pyrophoric catalyst mixture. Ethylenebis(indenyl)zirconium dichloride [Et(Ind) 2 ZrCl 2 ] was used as the metallocene catalyst, activated with triisobutylaluminium (TIBA) and trityl tetrakis(perfluorophenyl)borate (Borate). Polymerization experiments were carried out under varying ethylene pressures and temperatures, and the ethylene consumption was monitored by a decrease in reactor pressure with time. A kinetic model, based on monomer and active‐site balances with first‐order catalyst deactivation, was developed to estimate kinetic parameters directly from pressure–time profiles. The apparent propagation constant k app increased from about 109.7 s −1 at 70°C to 156 s −1 at 90°C, while the deactivation constant k d rose from ~1.7 × 10 −3 s −1 to 5.7 × 10 −3 s −1 , indicating that both propagation and deactivation are accelerated at higher temperatures. Intrinsic propagation rate constants k p were in the range of 3.0 × 10 2 to 4.6 × 10 2 L·mol −1 ·s −1 , with an activation energy near 22.3 kJ·mol −1 , whereas catalyst deactivation exhibited a higher activation energy of about 62.7 kJ·mol −1 . The model also predicted polymer yields in satisfactory agreement with the experimental values. The study establishes pressure decay analysis over time in a batch reactor as a convenient way to quantify propagation and deactivation responses in homogeneous metallocene‐catalyzed ethylene polymerization.
ABSTRACT Traditional epoxy resins rely on non‐renewable petroleum resources and suffer from flammability, limiting their safe applications. This study reports a fully bio‐based intrinsically flame‐retardant epoxy resin (DVAEP) synthesized from vanillin (VAN) and epichlorohydrin (ECH) via a two‐step process. After curing with DDM, a dual‐crosslinked network was formed, and the structure was confirmed by FTIR and 1 H NMR. DVAEP exhibits slightly higher crosslinking density than conventional bisphenol A epoxy resin (EP), while its glass transition temperature is lower due to the Schiff base structure. Benefiting from the high char‐forming ability of the biphenyl structure, DVAEP/DDM achieves a V‐0 rating in the UL‐94 test, a limiting oxygen index of 36.7%, 55% char residue at 800°C, and a 67.8% reduction in total smoke release compared to EP. The flame‐retardant mechanism is attributed to a condensed‐phase effect, where a dense graphitized char layer forms during combustion to inhibit heat and mass transfer. Mechanically, the flexural modulus reaches 3015 MPa, a 28.8% improvement over EP. This work provides a promising strategy for developing bio‐based intrinsic flame‐retardant epoxy resins with high flame retardancy, low smoke emission, and high rigidity.
ABSTRACT A polyamide 6/polyamide 66/maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene‐octene copolymer (PA6/PA66/POE‐g‐MAH) alloy with high toughness and tensile strength was successfully prepared via a simple melt blending method, where lots of phase interfaces were constructed around elastomer particles. The impact strength of the PA66/PA6/POE‐g‐MAH ternary alloy with a PA66:PA6 mass ratio of 6:4 reached 69.5 kJ/m 2 , almost three times and two times that of PA6/POE‐g‐MAH and PA66/POE‐g‐MAH binary alloys, respectively. Importantly, the ternary alloys maintained a high tensile strength while achieving enhanced toughness, which was attributed to a novel multistep energy dissipation mechanism. Specifically, the addition of POE‐g‐MAH improved the crack initiation energy through the deformation and debonding of POE‐g‐MAH particles; subsequently, the crack propagation energy was increased by the initiation and growth of crazes along the PA6/PA66 phase interfaces surrounding the POE‐g‐MAH particles. In addition, the crystallization temperature of PA66 significantly decreased with the increase of PA6 content, accompanied by a reduction in grain size, confirming the phase separation between PA66 and PA6 in the ternary alloy and the formation of abundant phase interfaces. Finally, the multistep energy dissipation mechanism was verified by the “bark‐like” impact fracture surfaces, which featured numerous cracks and holes. This work provides a facile and efficient approach for the preparation of polymer alloys with high toughness and tensile strength, with significant potential for practical applications.
ABSTRACT Polycarbonate/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (PC/ABS) blends are widely utilized engineering plastics known for their distinctive advantages in automotive, electronic, and electrical applications. However, their long‐term durability is significantly limited by their susceptibility to harsh environmental degradation. In this study, systematic UV‐accelerated aging tests were conducted on PC/ABS blends with five different compositions to establish a comprehensive dataset encompassing key tensile properties: tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break. To predict the evolution of tensile performance under environmental exposure, four machine learning (ML) models—Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and a novel hybrid MLP‐DT model—were constructed and optimized. Experimental results revealed that UV‐accelerated aging induced severe degradation in tensile strength and elongation at break, while the elastic modulus remained relatively stable. Notably, the proposed hybrid MLP‐DT model achieved the highest predictive accuracy for tensile strength ( R 2 = 0.96) and elongation at break ( R 2 = 0.75), outperforming individual ML algorithms. Furthermore, feature importance analysis identified aging duration, temperature, UV irradiance, and resin composition as the dominant factors governing the degradation behavior. This work offers a robust, data‐driven approach for predicting the durability of PC/ABS blends, providing valuable insights for formulation optimization and lifespan assessment in engineering applications.
ABSTRACT This review provides a structured, filler‐class‐organized analysis of recent advances in polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)‐based composite materials, spanning synthesis, processing, properties, and applications. Unlike prior reviews focusing primarily on biosynthesis or individual filler types in isolation, this work offers a comparative framework across five reinforcement classes, namely inorganic fillers, cellulosic reinforcements, synthetic polymer blends, carbon nanostructures, and multi‐component hybrid systems. This approach enables the extraction of cross‐filler design guidelines from aggregated data. Synthesis coverage encompasses both microbial fermentation and recent advances in stereoselective chemical synthesis via ring‐opening polymerization. Property improvements are attributed to mechanistically distinct processes—nucleating and barrier effects for inorganic fillers, interfacial load transfer for cellulosic reinforcements, and synergistic multifunctional coupling in carbon‐based and multi‐component formulations—alongside characteristic trade‐offs such as reduced ductility at higher filler loadings. Finally, these property profiles are mapped onto specific application domains, such as food packaging, biomedical scaffolds, and specialty functional materials, providing a performance‐based framework for material selection.
ABSTRACT In this research, elastomeric thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and amorphous poly(isobutyl methacrylate) (PiBMA) were used to prepare polymer blends with compositions of 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50 (wt%) via melt blending. Morphological analysis revealed that co‐continuous‐like structures formed at 40 and 50 wt% PiBMA amounts. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the glass transition temperatures of the blends varied from −42°C to 31°C depending on the blend composition. Tensile results indicated that tensile strength, elongation at break, and work up to break decreased with increasing PiBMA content. In contrast, shape memory performance improved as the acrylic phase increased. The 50/50 blend exhibited the best shape memory performance, with shape fixity and shape recovery ratios of 99% and 96%, respectively. Furthermore, this composition exhibited enhanced shape memory performance during cyclic shape memory tests, maintaining an Rf of approximately 99% and an Rr of approximately 99% even after the third cycle. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the presence of PiBMA increased the degradation onset temperature of TPU. Additionally, the degradation temperature of the soft block of TPU shifted to higher values, while its maximum degradation rate decreased. The combination of tunable shape memory, mechanical, and thermal properties renders TPU/PiBMA blends suitable for next‐generation functional material applications.
ABSTRACT Polymeric foams, particularly closed‐cell foams, are highly susceptible to moisture absorption, which alters critical properties such as density and ultimately diminishes their functional performance. Accurate prediction of moisture diffusion is therefore essential for estimating their long‐term durability. This study investigates the capabilities and limitations of existing absorption models in capturing moisture absorption behavior in polymeric foams. The conventional one‐dimensional hindered diffusion model (1D‐HDM) is extended to a new void‐filling hindered diffusion model (VF‐HDM) which accounts for closed‐cell porosity. The effect of foam thickness on the moisture absorption is explained by incorporating the closed‐cell porosity to the model. To validate the VF‐HDM, moisture absorption experiments were performed on closed‐cell ROHACELL WF‐71 foam. The model successfully captured distinct absorption behaviors associated with varying foam thickness by quantifying stored moisture within closed‐cells. Experimental results showed that thickness and porosity differences can lead to as much as a 62% variation in maximum absorbed moisture.
ABSTRACT Nowadays, natural fibers reinforced bio‐composites have achieved remarkable development, but their shortcomings in low toughness, high hydrophilicity and poor heat resistance cannot be ignored. Herein, epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and wood‐based cellulose fiber (CF) are used as the plasticizer and reinforcing filler to modify polylactic acid (PLA). In order to boost interfacial adhesion and compatibility of the composites, the silane coupling agent KH 580 (3‐mercaptopropyl triethoxysilane) was used to treat CF. The epoxy‐carboxyl and epoxy‐thiol dual reactions during the melt‐blending are utilized to promote the compatibilization of ternary components. The tensile strength of 1 wt% K0‐CF composite is 47.25 MPa, which is 1.22 times greater than that of unmodified CF composite; meanwhile, the notched impact strength of 1 wt% K0‐CF composite is 6.23 ± 0.38 KJ/m 2 , which is 1.2 times higher than that of pure PLA. The addition of K0‐CF enhances the hydrophobicity, interfacial adhesion, melt viscosity and elasticity of the composites. The initial decomposition temperatures and residues of the composites are significantly increased due to excellent thermal stability of CF. Both fibers promote the crystallization of PLA, especially for unmodified CF. Due to excellent mechanical, rheological and thermal properties of PLA/ESO/K0‐CF composites, they show potential applications in packaging fields.
