Abstract
Polylactide is a highly demanded biopolymer, whose industrial application constantly increases. Its disadvantages such as brittleness and slow crystallization rate can be overcome by application of different additives. Because of environmental issues, using natural waste fillers as modifying agents for polylactide is especially interesting. In this study linseed cake, a byproduct of oil extraction from linseed, characterized by oil content of 0.9–39.8 wt.%, was added to polylactide to influence its crystallization behavior. The formation of the crystalline phase was studied by differential scanning calorimetry in isothermal and non-isothermal conditions and analyzed according to methods by Jeziorny, Ozawa, Mo and Avrami. The samples’ microstructures were observed using polarized light microscopy. The crystallization rate and Avrami exponent of samples crystallized in different conditions were evaluated. It was found that addition of 10 wt.% of linseed cake containing at least 17.7 wt.% oil notably changes the crystallization of polylactide, increasing its crystallinity and promoting the growth of crystallites.
Highlights
Since 1990s, when a need to find a sustainable alternative to conventional polymeric materials became evident, polylactide or poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is gaining more and more popularity
The aim of this paper is an analysis of the influence of linseed cake on melt crystallization behavior of PLA performed in both non-isothermal and isothermal conditions according to the methods by Jeziorny, Ozawa, Mo and Avrami
A multipurpose injection molding polylactide grade Ingeo 2500 HP by Natureworks characterized by mass flow index (MFI) of 8 g/10 min (210°C, 2.16 kg) and d-isomer content of < 0.5% was used
Summary
Since 1990s, when a need to find a sustainable alternative to conventional polymeric materials became evident, polylactide or poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is gaining more and more popularity. This so-called biopolymer, which can be synthesized from the lactic acid resulting from fermentation of starch [1–4] and can undergo biodegradation in industrial conditions [1, 4–7] is successfully applied as a 3D-printing filament and as a material for production of packages, disposable goods, biomedical devices, automotive applications and fiber [1, 2, 8–10]. PLA is an aliphatic polyester whose mechanical properties are similar to those of poly(ethylene terephthalate) or polypropylene [11].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
