Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Fabricating Superhydrophobic Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 28, 2015
Sustainable and High-Performance Polylactide/Polycarbonate Blends with Enhanced Toughness and Thermal Stability via
Weisheng Xiao1, Xiangjian Chen2, Huaxiang Chen1
1Advanced Materials Research Center, Petrochemical Research Institute, PetroChina Company Limited, Beijing 102206, China.
None:
Durable polylactide (PLA)-based materials are highly pursued for replacing conventional petroleum-based plastics. However, developing a tough and heat-resistant PLA blend remains a significant challenge. Herein, a series of high-performance PLA-based blends were prepared through melt blending of bio-based polycarbonate (PC), poly-(d-lactic acid) (PDLA), and a compatibilizer (BPM). Phase morphology, crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, and thermal resistance were systematically analyzed. A novel dual heat-resistant network was constructed, comprising a continuous PC phase and PDLA/PLA stereocomplexation. In this network, the stereocomplexation creates a 3D network restricting the amorphous PLA chain mobility, while the PC phase acts as a heat-resistant framework, collectively enhancing thermal stability. Moreover, the addition of BPM enhances the toughness and interfacial adhesion between PC and PLA phases, resulting in substantial improvements in mechanical properties. The optimized blend achieved a heat deflection temperature of 106.5 °C, an impact strength of 7.5 kJ/m2, and an elongation at break of 113.6%.
Related Concept Videos
Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
Bioplastics
Polymer Classification: Architecture
Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers
Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...

