Enhancement of the Mechanical Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/Epoxidized Soybean Oil Blends by the Addition of 3-Aminophenylboronic Acid

Abstract

Here, the high-strength, high-ductility blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and 3-aminophenylboronic acid (APBA) were successfully prepared via a melt-bending method. The effects of APBA addition on the mechanical and thermal properties, morphologies, and crystallization behavior of the blends were investigated. The results showed that the addition of APBA endowed the PLA/ESO/APBA blends with a good balance of strength and toughness. The yield strength of the PLA/ESO/APBA (90:10:3) blend was 70 MPa, which was 25% higher than that of the corresponding PLA/ESO blend without APBA (56 MPa), while its elongation at break reached 160%, which is greatly superior to that of pure PLA (6.5%). Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the incorporation of APBA significantly improved the compatibility between PLA and ESO, while gel permeation chromatography and rheological analysis suggested the occurrence of complex reactions between the three constituents, which improved the compatibility between PLA and ESO and enhanced the mechanical properties of the blends. Hence, the PLA/ESO/APBA blends possess great potential for application in the manufacture of environmentally friendly degradable plastics.

Design and Synthesis of Polystyrene-Occluded Reactive Core–Shell Particles of Natural Rubber to Balance Stiffness and Toughness in Poly(lactic acid)

“…6,7 Over the past two decades, a multitude of research endeavors have been undertaken, mainly focusing on enhancing the toughness of PLA. Researchers have extensively employed approaches such as copolymerization, 8,9 plasticization, 10,11 blending, 12−14 incorporation of various fillers, 15,16 and alteration of polymer chain orientation. 17,18 Among these methodologies, blending with an elastomeric component is widely recognized as the most effective and economically viable strategy to address the brittleness of PLA.…”

“…These characteristics render PLA suitable for a diverse array of applications. , Nevertheless, inherent drawbacks such as brittleness, low crystallinity, and unfavorable thermal resistance impose significant constraints on the widespread applicability of PLA. , Over the past two decades, a multitude of research endeavors have been undertaken, mainly focusing on enhancing the toughness of PLA. Researchers have extensively employed approaches such as copolymerization, , plasticization, , blending, − incorporation of various fillers, , and alteration of polymer chain orientation. , Among these methodologies, blending with an elastomeric component is widely recognized as the most effective and economically viable strategy to address the brittleness of PLA. − …”

Eco-friendly Blends of Polylactic Acid and Polyhydroxybutyrate Enhanced with Epoxidized Soybean Oil Methyl Ester for Food-Packaging Applications

“…). , Vegetable oils have also been incorporated in the PLA/PHB blends for plasticization, as a biobased, low-cost, and low toxicity approach, with epoxidized oils often preferred due to properties such as chemical resistance, durability, and high-temperature processability . Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) has been used in various concentrations in both PLA − and PHB, as well as in PLA/PHB blends, enhancing their mechanical properties . Interestingly, Zych et al added a linear-structured version of ESO, epoxidized soybean oil methyl ester (ESOME), to PLA, resulting in a tremendous increase in toughness and elongation at break and demonstrating that linear vegetable oil-based plasticizers are more effective than branched or cross-linked ones, since they can be more effectively integrated between the linear PLA chains, avoiding compatibility deterioration caused by steric hindrance .…”

Effect of a Self-Assembled Nucleating Agent on the Crystallization Behavior and Spherulitic Morphology of Poly(lactic acid)

“…Introduction of nucleating agents (NAs) is one of the most practical strategies to control the crystallinity of PLA during processing . NA provides numerous nucleating sites for polymer crystallization and reduces the surface free energy barrier for nucleation, which significantly accelerates the crystallization and increases the crystallization temperature of PLA. , There are three types of NAs usually used to control the crystallinity of PLA: inorganic NA, organic NA, and macromolecular NA. Inorganic NAs, such as calcium carbonate, silica, montmorillonite, talc, boron nitride nanotubes, and Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene have abundant resources and are low in cost.…”