Abstract
The isothermal crystallization kinetics, morphology and melting behavior of poly(L-lactide) and poly(butylene adipate) (PLLA/PBA) crystalline/crystalline blends were studied in the high- and low-temperature regions using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). In the high-temperature region, the PLLA crystallized faster, and the blends had lower equilibrium melting temperatures than neat PLLA due to the high-mobility PBA chain. In the low-temperature region, the PBA crystallization rate was lower in the blends. Additionally, the polymorphic structures and crystallization morphologies of PBA were influenced by PLLA greatly. The PBA in the blends formed α and β crystal structures, whereas neat PBA only formed α crystal structures. POM indicated that the neat PBA formed Maltese-cross spherulites across the studied temperature range. However, banded spherulites formed in the blend at 32 and 34 °C. Isothermal crystallization of PLLA/PBA blends shows great difference to that of neat polymer. Blends have faster crystallization rate and lower melting temperature than PLLA in high-temperature region. However, blends form different crystal structures to that of neat PBA at low temperatures and have lower crystallization rate. The crystallization rate, morphology and crystal structure of neat PLLA and PBA can be modulated by mutual blending.
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