Summary: Poly(propylene) (PP) films containing different concentrations of bis(benzoxazolyl)stilbene (BBS) have been prepared by melt processing. We demonstrate that the emission characteristics of PP films depend on BBS concentration and polymer deformation. A well‐defined excimer band is observed with more than 0.2 wt.‐% of BBS, conferring to the film a green luminescence. During drawing (130 °C) the PP reorganisation breaks the BBS excimer‐type arrangement, leading to the prevalence of the blue emission of the single molecules. We have efficiently applied the photophysics of this commercial stilbene derivative to the production of powerful tools acting as an internal probe for PP deformation.Picture of oriented PP/BBS‐0.5 film taken under excitation with a long‐range UV lamp (λ = 366 nm). During drawing, the macromolecular chains reorganisation is able to break the BBS excimer‐type arrangement leading to the prevalence of the blue emission of the single molecules.magnified imagePicture of oriented PP/BBS‐0.5 film taken under excitation with a long‐range UV lamp (λ = 366 nm). During drawing, the macromolecular chains reorganisation is able to break the BBS excimer‐type arrangement leading to the prevalence of the blue emission of the single molecules.
This study was aimed at the modulation of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) properties by the addition of both a low-molecular-weight plasticizer, acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), and a biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). PLA/PBAT, PLA/ATBC, and PLA/PBAT/ATBC mixtures with 10-35 wt % ATBC and/or PBAT were prepared in a discontinuous laboratory mixer, compression-molded, and characterized by thermal, morphological, and mechanical tests to evaluate the effect of the concentration of either the plasticizer or copolyester on the final material flexibility. Materials with modulable properties, Young's modulus in the range 100-3000 MPa and elongation at break in the range 10-300%, were obtained. Moreover, thermal analysis showed a preferential solubilization of ATBC in the PBAT phase. Gas permeability tests were also performed to assess possible use in food packaging applications. The results are discussed with particular emphasis toward the effects of plasticization on physical blending in the determination of the phase morphology and final properties.
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