Ti–Dopamine Hybrid Nanoparticles with UV-Blocking and Durable Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Materials

The increased demand for environmental protection and sustainable development has promoted the progress of renewable and biodegradable materials, especially in the field of packaging and agriculture. Such a status makes poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) a kind of popular polyester material with an expanded utilization rate for its good mechanical properties and processability. However, a poor barrier property and light aging resistance are always the core issues during application. In order to overcome these shortcomings, Ti–dopamine (TiDA) nanoparticles were synthesized by hybridizing dopamine and a titanium precursor, resulting in a mixed phase of rutile and brookite, which was highly beneficial to light resistance. When TiDA was blended with PBAT at a low concentration (0.5–2.0 wt %), the PBAT composite films showed a great comprehensive performance. While maintaining good mechanical properties (tensile strength over 30 MPa and strain over 800%), the water vapor permeability was reduced by nearly 40%. The UV light of all wave bands could be blocked mostly by PBAT/TD composite films, which also had enhanced aging resistance, retaining over 20 MPa tensile strength and almost 100% strain after aging with UV radiation for 100 h. In summary, the PBAT/TD film material was promising for potential production in the field of agriculture and packaging.