Composition design ofPLA/TPUemulsion blends compatibilized with multifunctional epoxy‐based chain extender to tackle high impact resistant ductile structures

Abstract

In this study, the composition of polylactide (PLA)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) emulsion blends compatibilized with multifunctional epoxy-based Joncryl chain extender was regulated to tackle high impact resistant structures with improved ductility. PLA/TPU blends at different blending ratios of 95wt/05wt, 85wt/15wt, 75wt/25wt, and 65wt/35wt were first melt blended with 0.5 wt% of Joncryl. In all compositions, although the TPU droplets were significantly refined with the addition of Joncryl, the impact strength and ductility of the blends increased dramatically only at 75wt/25wt and 65wt/35wt blending ratios. The 75wt/25wt blend was then melt blended with various Joncryl contents of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 wt%. It was illustrated that 0.5 wt% Joncryl was high enough to reach a blend with the highest impact strength and ductility of around 110 kJ/m 2 and 150%, respectively. This was while the tensile strength and modulus values remained comparable with those of neat PLA. The rheological experiments and the dynamic mechanical analysis confirmed that the complex viscosity and the storage modulus of the compatibilized blends were improved as a result of increased melt strength of PLA and the interfacial compatibilization through using Joncryl.

Compatibilization of Polylactide/Poly(ethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PLA/PEF) Blends for Sustainable and Bioderived Packaging

“…The addition of 10 wt % of PEF to neat PLA increases its complex viscosity and storage and loss modulus ( Figure 1 b,e,h), and this increase is more remarkable at lower frequencies. This effect is due to the influence of the interfacial interaction between the PEF droplets and the surrounding PLA and may indicate some compatibility [ 49 ]. This phenomenon is enhanced by adding increased amounts of J, which implies that J increases the interfacial interaction between the two polymer phases.…”

Food-safe glycidyl-free chain extenders for polylactides

“…12 Joncryl ADR chain extenders containing epoxide groups are some of the most widely used commercial additives for the chemical modification of polyesters to improve their mechanical and thermal behavior. [13][14][15] Yahyaee et al 16 enhanced the poor melt characteristics of PLA with two chain extenders, pyromellitic dianhydride, and Joncryl ADR. The authors indicated that the chain extension reactions increased the molecular weight and elongational rheological characteristics.…”

Effect of nano‐sized zinc citrate on the supercritical carbon dioxide‐assisted extrusion foaming behavior of poly(lactic acid)

“…17 Thus, the use of a multi-epoxy compound can be used as a CE to increase the melt strength of PLA and consequently improve its foamability. [18][19][20] During polymer foam processing, nucleating agents can accelerate crystallization and broaden the crystallization window of polymers. Adding a nucleating agent to PLA increases the number of crystals of the latter and consequently affects its foaming behavior.…”

“…PLA bears a terminal carboxyl group, which reacts relatively fast with an epoxy group in the molten state 17 . Thus, the use of a multi‐epoxy compound can be used as a CE to increase the melt strength of PLA and consequently improve its foamability 18–20 …”