Effect of Synergistic Compatibilizers for Surface Problem Solution of Cow Bone Powder and Hydroxyapatite Filled Biodegradable Polybutylene Succinate Composites

ABSTRACT This study aimed to improve the properties of polybutylene succinate (PBS) based composites by using different inorganic reinforcement materials such as cow bone powder (BP) and hydroxyapatite (HAP). Three different compatibilizers, namely thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and maleic‐grafted‐polypropylene (MA‐g‐PP), were used to solve the surface incompatibility problems between the polymer matrix and the fillers. XRD, XRF, SEM, and FTIR spectroscopy methods were used to characterize the surface functionalities of BP and HAP powders and to elucidate their morphological properties and chemical structures. Composites containing pure PBS, 30% filler by weight, and 5% compatibilizer were mixed in a twin‐screw extruder. The resulting composite materials were shaped into dog bones by injection molding. Characterization of the composites was carried out by tensile tests, hardness, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), reciprocating wear tests, water absorption, and field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). According to the results, the use of TPU as a compatibilizer positively affects the mechanical, wear, water absorption, and thermal properties of both BP and HAP filled composite materials. It was observed that MA‐g‐PP used as a compatibilizer negatively affects the thermal properties of the composites.