Rubber toughened polylactide (pla) via catalyzed epoxy-Acid interfacial reaction

Christopher Thurber, Liangliang Gu, Jason C. Myers, Timothy P. Lodge, Christopher W. Macosko

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Polylactide (PLA) is a promising material, with favorable modulus, renewable sources, and biodegradability. However, its low extension at break (4-7 %) and toughness (notched Izod, 26 J/m) limit its applications [1]. PLA toughening has been the subject of recent reviews [1,2], and is the basis for several commercial products. This work aims to increase PLA toughness using rubbery linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), glycidyl methacrylate functional PE compatibilizer (EGMA), and novel catalysts that promote copolymer formation at the interface of immiscible blends of PLA and EGMA/LLDPE. Droplet size was reduced from 2.7 μm to 1.7 μm with addition of 5 wt% EGMA, and further to 1.0 μm with the addition of cobalt octoate catalyst. Extension at break of 200 % is achieved with only 5 wt% reactive compatibilizer, 15 wt% LLDPE, and 0.01 M cobalt octoate.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationANTEC 2016 - Proceedings of the Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers
PublisherSociety of Plastics Engineers
Pages639-643
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9780692719619
StatePublished - Jan 1 2016
Event74th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Indianapolis 2016 - Indianapolis, United States
Duration: May 23 2016May 25 2016

Publication series

NameAnnual Technical Conference - ANTEC, Conference Proceedings

Other

Other74th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Indianapolis 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityIndianapolis
Period5/23/165/25/16

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