Study of Blends of Poly (Lacti Acid) with Polypropylene and Nanocomposites with Montmorillonite (original) (raw)

2014, Revista Latinoamericana de Metalurgia y Materiales

In the present work, the influence of degradation during the processing in the tensile properties of blends of poly (lactic acid), montmorillonite and two types of polyolefins as dispersed phases was studied. Polymers grafted with maleic anhydride were employed as the compatibilizing agents. The nanocomposites and their blends were prepared in an internal mixer at 200°C and characterized using solution viscometry of the PLA phase, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM). The melt processing of the PLA produced its thermo-mechanical degradation and a steep decrease in its molecular weight. The large size of the dispersed phases in the PLA and the poor tensile properties of the blends without clay were attributed to the thermal degradation of the PLA matrix during their processing. Changes in the molecular weight of the PLA in blends without montmorillonite depend on the type of disperse phase and on the efficiency as emulsifier of the compatibilizing agent employed. The presence of montmorillonite slightly increased the Young's modulus values of the blends. Smaller particle sizes of the dispersed phase were found in blends with the clay; however, optimal tensile properties were not found.