The Effect of Masterbatch Addition on the Mechanical, Thermal, Optical and Surface Properties of Poly(lactic acid) |
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Authors: | F Byrne P G Ward J Kennedy N Imaz D Hughes D P Dowling |
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Affiliation: | (1) School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, University College Dublin, Room 221 Engineering Building, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland;(2) Centre for Nanotechnology and Materials Research, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland |
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Abstract: | There has been considerable interest in the use of the biodegradable polymer poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a replacement for
petroleum derived polymers due to ease of processability and its high mechanical strength. Other material properties have
however limited its wider application. These include its brittle properties, low impact strength and yellow tint. In an attempt
to overcome these drawbacks, PLA was blended with four commercially available additives, commonly known as masterbatches.
The effect of the addition of 1.5 wt% of the four masterbatches on the mechanical, thermal, optical and surface properties
of the polymer was evaluated. All four masterbatches had a slight negative effect on the tensile strength of PLA (3–5% reduction).
There was a four fold increase in impact resistance however with the addition of one of the masterbatches. Differential scanning
calorimetry demonstrated that this increase corresponded to a decrease in the polymer crystallinity. However there was an
associated increase in polymer haze with the addition of this masterbatch. The clarity of PLA was improved through the addition
of an optical brightener masterbatch, but the impact resistance remained low. The glass transition and melting temperatures
of PLA were not affected by the addition of the masterbatches, and no change was observed in surface energy. Some delay in
PLA degradation, in a PBS degradation medium at 50 °C, was observed due to blending with these masterbatches. |
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Keywords: | Poly(lactic acid) Additive Impact Clarity |
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