Mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/starch blends with dioctyl maleate

✍ Scribed by Jian-Feng Zhang; Xiuzhi Sun

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2004
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 179 KB
• Volume: 94
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0021-8995
• DOI: 10.1002/app.21078

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/starch blends were prepared blending with dioctyl maleate (DOM). DOM acted as a compatibilizer at low concentrations (below 5%), and markedly improved tensile strength of the blend. However, DOM functioned as a plasticizer at concentrations over 5%, significantly enhancing elongation. Compatibilization and plasticization took place simultaneously according to the analysis of, for example, mechanical properties and thermal behavior. With DOM as a polymeric plasticizer, thermal loss in the blends was not significant. Water absorption of PLA/starch blends increased with DOM concentration. DOM leaching in an aqueous environment was inhibited. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1697–1704, 2004