Characterization and physical property of modified-Poly(lactic acid) in a molten state

Abstract

In the recent years the increased volume of domestic and industrial waste accumulated in landfills and other sites has generated many environmental problems. Interest on biodegradable polymers and bioplasitcs is increasing dramatically and we are thinking of biodegradable polymers and bioplasitcs as value drivers for the industry. Development of biodegradable polymers from renewable resource-based feed stocks has attracted considerable research interest in recent years with the primary aim of reducing the consumption of petroleum polymers in various applications. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is especially being highlighted and commercialized in the market because it has physical properties similar to petroleum-based polymers and is cost competitive. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) linear aliphatic biodegradable polyester derived from biomass through bioconversion and polymerization, has become a potential candidate for various large-scale industrial applications in the areas of packaging, automobile, electronic/electric, biomedical, pharmaceutical, etc. However, Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) has been limited for wide application because of its inherent brittleness, low toughness, low heat stability, low moisture stability, and low crystallization rate resulting from its low crystallinity and high value of the characteristic ratio that represents chain stiffness. In order to improve above limitations, the research objective of this thesis is to evaluate characterization and physical property of modified-PLA in a molten state. In chapter 2, The purpose of this chapter is to make clarify the effect of hybrid compatibilizers on the mechanical properties of a PP/PLA/toughening modifier blend with poor compatibility. This study examined the effect of three compatibilizers, namely, a hybrid compatibilizer composed of polypropylene-maleic anhy-dride (PP-g-MAH) and polyethylene-glycidyl methacrylate (PE-g-GMA), a single compatibilizer composed of PP-g-MAH, and a single compatibilizer ...