Enhanced Performance of Poly(Butylene Adipate‐Co‐Terephthalate)/Poly(Lactic Acid) Composites via Interfacial Micro‐Crosslinking With Engineered Zizania latifolia Straw

ABSTRACT Using fillers in poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites is key to addressing high application costs and improving mechanical adaptability. In this study, neglected Zizania latifolia straw was initially utilized as a filler, hydrophobically modified with 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) via ultrasonication to graft epoxy groups onto its surface, which enabled reactions with PBAT or PLA during melt processing. The work aims to investigate the effects of modified Zizania latifolia straw powder (MZSP) with different contents of the composite's morphological, mechanical, rheological, thermal, biodegradable, and barrier properties. FTIR confirmed a micro‐crosslinking reaction between MZSP and polymer matrix, which significantly improved compatibility and reduced mechanical property loss under high filler loadings. These conclusions were corroborated by rheological and SEM analysis. Additionally, good dispersion of MZSP maintained the material's crystallization and biodegradability: crystallinity increased to 5.40% with 10 wt% MZSP, and the biodegradation rate reached 16.3% (30 days) at 25 wt% loading, outperforming the neat blends. This study underscores the considerable potential for the utilization of biodegradable composites and presents a novel agricultural waste recycling approach, which will engender significant ecological and economic benefits.