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Enhancing Polylactic Acid Films With Polyethylene Glycol-Based Plasticizers: A Reactive Extrusion Approach.

Carlos Lazaro-Hdez1, Jaume Gomez-Carturla1, Marina P Arrieta2,3

  • 1Instituto Universitario de Investigación de Tecnología de Materiales (IUITM), Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Plaza Ferrándiz y Carbonell 1, Alcoy, Alicante, 03801, Spain.

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|May 20, 2025
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Reactive extrusion enhances polylactic acid (PLA) films with polyethylene glycol (PEG) plasticizers, improving flexibility and reducing migration for safe food contact. This process boosts mechanical and thermal properties, expanding PLA

Keywords:
cross‐linkingfilm extrusionpolyethylene glycolpolylactic acidreactive extrusion

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with limitations in flexibility and plasticizer migration.
  • Enhancing PLA's properties is crucial for expanding its applications, particularly in food packaging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To improve the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA films using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based plasticizers.
  • To reduce plasticizer migration in PLA films through reactive extrusion (REX).
  • To assess the suitability of modified PLA films for food-contact applications.

Main Methods:

  • Modification of PLA films using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer.
  • Application of reactive extrusion (REX) with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a cross-linking agent.
  • Evaluation of mechanical properties (elongation at break, tensile strength), thermal stability, glass transition temperature (Tg), plasticizer migration, optical properties, and water vapor permeability.

Main Results:

  • Incorporation of PEG increased elongation at break from 12.0% to 61.3% while maintaining tensile strength.
  • REX significantly reduced plasticizer migration from 140.3 mg/kg to 40.8 mg/kg.
  • Degradation temperature increased from 268.7°C to 333.8°C, and Tg decreased to 38.3°C, enhancing ductility.
  • Modified films showed retained transparency and increased water vapor permeability.

Conclusions:

  • Reactive extrusion effectively enhances PLA films plasticized with PEG, improving mechanical strength, ductility, and thermal stability.
  • The reduction in plasticizer migration makes these modified PLA films safe for food-contact applications.
  • The improved properties broaden the industrial applicability of PLA while maintaining its environmental benefits.