Tailoring Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) Properties: Effect of the Impact Modifiers EE-g-GMA and POE-g-GMA

Abstract

Poly(ethylene-octene) grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (POE-g-GMA) and ethylene elastomeric grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (EE-g-GMA) were used as impact modifiers, aiming for tailoring poly(lactic acid) (PLA) properties. POE-g-GMA and EE-g-GMA was used in a proportion of 5; 7.5 and 10%, considering a good balance of properties for PLA. The PLA/POE-g-GMA and PLA/EE-g-GMA blends were processed in a twin-screw extruder and injection molded. The FTIR spectra indicated interactions between the PLA and the modifiers. The 10% addition of EE-g-GMA and POE-g-GMA promoted significant increases in impact strength, with gains of 108% and 140%, respectively. These acted as heterogeneous nucleating agents in the PLA matrix, generating a higher crystallinity degree for the blends. This impacted to keep the thermal deflection temperature (HDT) and Shore D hardness at the same level as PLA. By thermogravimetry (TG), the blends showed increased thermal stability, suggesting a stabilizing effect of the modifiers POE-g-GMA and EE-g-GMA on the PLA matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed dispersed POE-g-GMA and EE-g-GMA particles, as well as the presence of ligand reinforcing the systems interaction. The PLA properties can be tailored and improved by adding small concentrations of POE-g-GMA and EE-g-GMA. In light of this, new environmentally friendly and semi-biodegradable materials can be manufactured for application in the packaging industry.

Tailoring the performance of poly(lactic acid)‐based reactive blends: The effect of vinyl acetate and dicumyl peroxide content

“…Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most researched polymers recently, due to its high tensile strength, good processability and biocompatibility, and mainly due to its sustainable character, being produced from renewable sources, such as sugarcane, potato, or corn. 16,17 Due to these characteristics, it is considered an alternative to replace some traditional petroleum-based polymers, but its high fragility still limits its use in some applications. 18,19 One of the alternatives to remedy the high fragility of PLA is the production of polymeric blends using an elastomeric material, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), acting as an impact modifier.…”

Tailoring polyamide 6 to exhibit super‐tough behavior and high thermomechanical stability: The role of AES and EPDM‐MA hybridization

“…[1][2][3] Developing multiphase polymeric systems is commercially important because it allows the combination of properties of different materials or the improvement of the deficiencies of others. 4,5 Polymer blends have gained considerable prominence in the plastics industry. 6,7 These consist of physical mixtures of two or more polymers, regardless of possible chemical bonds between the components.…”

“…In recent years, the growing demand for new polymeric materials has encouraged industries and the academic community to develop improved processing techniques, especially those that allow the combination of properties not usually found in a single polymeric material 1–3 . Developing multiphase polymeric systems is commercially important because it allows the combination of properties of different materials or the improvement of the deficiencies of others 4,5 . Polymer blends have gained considerable prominence in the plastics industry 6,7 .…”

On the Production of Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA) Compounds with Metallic Stearates Based on Zinc, Magnesium and Cobalt. Investigation of Torque Rheometry and Thermal Properties

“…25 However, the main drawback of PLA is its low impact strength, which limits its application in parts that require high impact. 26,27 To solve this problem and expand its applications, PLA has been modified by adding impact modifiers. 28 Given the importance of PLA for the polymer transformation industry, several studies [29][30][31] on mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties stand out, especially in expanding to the additive manufacturing sector.…”