Abstract
In this work, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) a fully biodegradable thermoplastic polymer matrix was melt blended with three different epoxidized palm oil (EPO). The aim of this research was to enhance the flexibility, mechanical and thermal properties of PLA. The blends were prepared at various EPO contents of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 wt% and characterized. The SEM analysis evidenced successful modification on the neat PLA brittle morphology. Tensile tests indicate that the addition of 1 wt% EPO is sufficient to improve the strength and flexibility compared to neat PLA. Additionally, the flexural and impact properties were also enhanced. Further, DSC analysis showed that the addition of EPO results in a decrease in Tg, which implies an increase in the PLA chain mobility. In the presence of 1 wt% EPO, TGA results revealed significant increase in the thermal stability by 27%. Among the three EPOs used, EPO(3) showed the best mechanical and thermal properties compared to the other EPO’s, with an optimum loading of 1 wt%. Conclusively, EPO showed a promising outcome to overcome the brittleness and improve the overall properties of neat PLA, thus can be considered as a potential plasticizer.
Highlights
Over the past few decades, most composites used are petrochemically derived products such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that are non-biodegradable
epoxidized palm oil (EPO) acts as plasticizer, which increases the interaction at the phase boundaries and improves the flexibility of blends
poly(lactic acid) (PLA)), with the presence of 1 wt% of EPO. These results indicate that reactions might occur between epoxy groups of EPO and hydroxyl groups at the terminals of the PLA matrix, improving the interfacial adhesion and leads to an increase in the impact strength
Summary
Over the past few decades, most composites used are petrochemically derived products such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that are non-biodegradable. With the growing concern about environmental pollution, the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills needs immediate resolution. Increasing global environmental problems such as greenhouse gas emission and diminishing fossil resources have focused attention on the development of degradable plastics [1]. Biodegradable plastics offer a solution in managing packaging waste. Biodegradable plastics are receiving much interest in the emerging topic of green chemistry since they are environment-friendly, compostable and biodegradable, as well as being obtained from renewable and sustainable resources. They reduce our dependency on depleting fossil fuels and reduce the generation of hazardous substances [2]
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