Poly(lactic acid)-Based in Situ Microfibrillar Composites with Enhanced Crystallization Kinetics, Mechanical Properties, Rheological Behavior, and Foaming Ability

Biomacromolecules. 2015 Dec 14;16(12):3925-35. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5b01253. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

Abstract

Melt blending is one of the most promising techniques for eliminating poly(lactic acid)'s (PLA) numerous drawbacks. However, success in a typical melt blending process is usually achieved through the inclusion of high concentrations of a second polymeric phase which can compromise PLA's green nature. In a pioneering study, we introduce the production of in situ microfibrillar PLA/polyamide-6 (PA6) blends as a cost-effective and efficient technique for improving PLA's properties while minimizing the required PA6 content. Predominantly biobased products, with only 3 wt % of in situ generated PA6 microfibrils (diameter ≈200 nm), were shown to have dramatically improved crystallization kinetics, mechanical properties, melt elasticity and strength, and foaming-ability compared with PLA. Crucially, the microfibrillar blends were produced using an environmentally friendly and cost-effective process. Both of these qualities are essential in guarantying the viability of the proposed technique for overcoming the obstacles associated with the vast commercialization of PLA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Caprolactam / analogs & derivatives*
  • Caprolactam / chemistry
  • Crystallization
  • Elasticity
  • Green Chemistry Technology*
  • Kinetics
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry*
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Rheology
  • Tensile Strength

Substances

  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • nylon 6
  • Lactic Acid
  • poly(lactide)
  • Caprolactam