pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S02 - Polymer Blends and Alloys
Poster Presentation
 
 

Effects of different toughens on the properties of poly(lactic acid)

CAN BUSE NUR (1)*, TUCCAR KILIC NILAY (1), KODAL MEHMET (1), OZKOC GURALP (1)

(1) Kocaeli University - Kocaeli - Turkey

Poly(lactic acid)(PLA) is one of the most extensively studied bio-based aliphatic polyesters that has several properties, such as high strength and stiffness. However the application of PLA is still limited due to its high price, low heat distortion temperature, and brittleness. PBAT is fully biodegradable and flexible polymer makes it a great candidate for the toughness of PLA. Nevertheless PLA and PBAT yields immiscible polymer blends which needs to be compatibilized. The other common polymer used to toughen PLA is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The soft segment of TPU is expected to have a good compatibility with PLA but they make semi-miscible blends. This study focuses on the effect of incorporation of PBAT or TPU in to the PLA to improve the toughness. A styrene-acrylic multi-epoxidized polymeric compatibilizer (JoncrylŽ) was used in PLA/PBAT blends, whereas a diisocyanate chanin extender was utilized for PLA/TPU system. Blends were prepared in an Xplore Instruments MC15 twin-screw microcompounder. The mechanical, morphological and rheological properties of blends were investigated. The observations showed that Joncryl improved the mechanical and rheological properties of the PLA/PBAT blends, which supported by morphological results. The mechanical properties of PLA/TPU blends were improved with using PDI. PLA/TPU system is found to be tougher in comparison to PLA/PBAT under the experimental conditions. Acknowledgement: This study is financially supported by TUBITAK (Grant Number:115M576)