Enhanced rheological, crystallization, mechanical, and heat resistance performance of poly(L‐lactide)/basalt fibers composites via in situ formation of stereocomplex polylactide crystals

Abstract

AbstractDue to its favorable mechanical strength, transparency, and biocompatibility, polylactic acid (PLA) has considerable potential as a biodegradable material. Nevertheless, developing high‐performance PLA composites through environmentally friendly and cost‐effective methods remains a significant challenge. In this study, the composites comprising poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA), basalt fibers (BFs), and poly(D‐lactide) (PDLA) are prepared through facile melt blending. The in situ formed stereocomplex polylactide (SC‐PLA) crystals improve the crystallization ability and rheological behavior of PLLA/BF/PDLA composites. Upon adding 5 wt% PDLA, BFs are nicely dispersed in PLLA matrix because of increased shear intensity. The synergistic effect of BFs and SC‐PLA crystals enhances the mechanical, thermomechanical, and heat resistance properties of PLLA. In particular, PLLA/BF/10%PDLA composites exhibit a Vicat Softening Temperature (VST) of 155.5°C, increasing by approximately 100°C over neat PLLA. Annealing treatment increases the Young's modulus, thermomechanical properties, and VST of samples while reducing their tensile strength. Interestingly, the tensile strength of the annealed PLLA/BF/10%PDLA composites is 50.2 MPa, twice that of the annealed neat PLLA due to the introduction of SC‐PLA crystals. Simultaneously improving the rheological, mechanical, and heat resistance performance of PLLA opens possibilities for expanding its potential applications in the industrial field.