Porous‐structured vermiculite/polybutylene adipate terephthalate composite films: The morphology, mechanical properties, and nonisothermal degradation kinetics

Abstract To examine the impact of vermiculite (VMT) on the environmental and physical aspects of polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), the thermal degradation behavior of VMT/polybutylene terephthalate polyadipate (VMT/PBAT) composite films was investigated by using the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). To ensure precise calculation of the specific activation energy values of VMT/PBAT composite films in thermal degradation performance experiments, the Kissinger method (K‐method) and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method (FWO method) were utilized. Additionally, the reaction mechanism was analyzed using the Coats–Redfern equation (CR equation). The introduction of VMT into the PBAT co‐polyester structure leads to an increase in the thermal degradation activation energy E_k of composite films.; the apparent activation energies were calculated by the Coats–Redfern method for different reaction mechanisms, and the interfacial diffusion reaction mechanism of the composite film was determined, with a thermal degradation reaction principle properties of g(α) = [1 − (1 − α)]² and the number of reaction steps of 2. Highlights VMT/PBAT composite films prepared using a simple method. Analyzing nonisothermal degradation kinetics using K‐method and FWO method. Analyzing the degradation mechanisms using the Coats–Redfern equation. Addition of VMT enhances the thermal degradation properties of composite films. Addition of VMT reduces the mechanical properties of the composite film.