Polylactide/Poly(ω-hydroxytetradecanoic acid) Reactive Blending: A Green Renewable Approach to Improving Polylactide...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with potential applications in various fields.
• Improving the mechanical properties of PLA is crucial for expanding its use.
• Current methods for PLA modification often involve complex or less sustainable processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the mechanical properties of polylactide (PLA) using a green manufacturing technique.
• To develop a fully biosourced PLA-based polymer blend.
• To investigate the effect of poly(ω-hydroxytetradecanoic acid) (PC14) incorporation on PLA's mechanical performance.

Main Methods:

• Reactive extrusion (REx) was employed as the primary green manufacturing technique.
• PLA was blended with small quantities of poly(ω-hydroxytetradecanoic acid) (PC14).
• Titanium tetrabutoxide (Ti(OBu)4) was used as a catalyst for transesterification during REx to compatibilize the blend.

Main Results:

• REx for 15 minutes at 200 °C significantly improved PLA's mechanical properties, including a substantial increase in elongation at break (from 3% to 140% with 5% PC14).
• Impact strength of PLA was increased by 2.4× with 20% PC14 incorporation.
• SEM analysis confirmed good adhesion between the dispersed PC14 and continuous PLA phases, indicating effective compatibilization.
• In situ synthesis of PLA-b-PC14 copolymers was confirmed via NMR experiments, demonstrating successful compatibilization.

Conclusions:

• Reactive extrusion is an effective green technique for compatibilizing PLA/PC14 blends and enhancing mechanical properties.
• The incorporation of PC14 into PLA via REx leads to significant improvements in elongation at break and impact strength.
• These enhanced PLA/PC14 blends offer expanded potential uses for PLA-based materials in various applications.