Compatibilizing effects for improving mechanical properties of biodegradable poly (lactic acid) and polycarbonate blends

Jae Bok Lee, Yun Kyun Lee, Gi Dae Choi, Sang Wook Na, Tae Sung Park, Woo Nyon Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

101 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mechanical, morphological and rheological properties of polycarbonate (PC) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) blends with compatibilizers have been investigated. Three types of compatibilizers were used: poly(styrene-g-acrylonitrile)-maleic anhydride (SAN-g-MAH), poly(ethylene-co-octene) rubber-maleic anhydride (EOR-MAH) and poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (EGMA). The maximum value of the mechanical properties such as impact and tensile strengths of the PC/PLA (70/30, wt%) blend before or after hydrolysis was observed when the SAN-g-MAH was used as a compatibilizer at the amount of 5 phr. From the interfacial tension between PC and PLA which was determined from the weighted relaxation spectra using Palierne emulsion model, minimum value of interfacial tension (0.08 mN/m) was observed when the SAN-g-MAH (5 phr) was used. From the morphological studies of the PC/PLA (70/30) blends, the PLA droplet size showed minimum (0.19 μm) at the 5.0 phr SAN-g-MAH. From the results of mechanical, morphological and rheological properties of the PC/PLA (70/30) blend, it is suggested that the SAN-g-MAH is the most effective compatibilizer to improve the mechanical strength of the PC/PLA (70/30) blends among the compatibilizers used in this study, especially at the amount of 5 phr.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)553-560
Number of pages8
JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability
Volume96
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Apr

Keywords

  • Compatibility
  • Poly (lactic acid)
  • Polycarbonate
  • Polymer blends
  • Rheology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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