Biodegradable compatibilized poly(L-lactide)/thermoplastic polyurethane blends:design, preparation and property testing

Abstract

Biodegradable blends of poly(l-lactide) (PLL) toughened with a polycaprolactone-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer and compatibilized with a purpose-designed poly(l-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLLCL) copolymer were prepared. Both 2-component (PLL/TPU) and 3-component (PLL/TPU/PLLCL) blends of various compositions were prepared by melt mixing, hot-pressed into thin films and their properties tested. The results showed that, although the TPU could toughen the PLL, the blends were immiscible leading to phase separation with the TPU domains distributed in the PLL matrix. However, addition of the PLLCL copolymer could partially compatibilize the blend by improving the interfacial adhesion between the two phases. Biodegradability testing showed that the blends were biodegradable and that the PLLCL copolymer could increase the rate of biodegradation under controlled composting conditions. The 3-component blend of composition PLL/TPU/PLLCL = 90/10/10 parts by weight was found to exhibit the best all-round properties.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-017-1082-6
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Aston Institute of Materials Research (AIMR)
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering > Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Aston Polymer Research Group
Aston University (General)
Additional Information: The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10924-017-1082-6
Uncontrolled Keywords: poly(l-lactide) ,thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer,poly(l-lactide-co-caprolactone) ,immiscible blend,compatibilization,biodegradability,Environmental Engineering,Polymers and Plastics,Materials Chemistry
Publication ISSN: 1572-8900
Last Modified: 01 Nov 2024 08:09
Date Deposited: 31 Jul 2017 15:10
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2018-05
Published Online Date: 2017-07-17
Accepted Date: 2017-07-17
Authors: Suthapakti, Kanyarat
Molloy, Robert
Punyodom, Winita
Nalampang, Kanarat
Leejarkpai, Thanawadee
Topham, Paul D. (ORCID Profile 0000-0003-4152-6976)
Tighe, Brian J. (ORCID Profile 0000-0001-9601-8501)

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