Rheological and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/polystyrene polymer blend

Abstract

Properties modification by blending polymers has been an area of immense interest. In this work, rheological and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/polystyrene (PLA/PS) blends were investigated. PLA/PS blends in different ratios were prepared using a laboratory scale single screw extruder to obtain (3 mm) granules. Rheological properties were studied using a capillary rheometer and the Bagley’s correction was performed. True shear rate (γr), true shear stress (τr), and true viscosity (ηr) were determined, the relationship between true viscosity and (1/T) was studied for PLA70 blend and the flow activation energy at a constant shear stress (Eτ) and a constant shear rate (Eγ) was determined. The mechanical property measurements were performed at room temperature. Stress at break and strain at break were determined. The results showed that PLA/PS blend exhibited a typical shear-thinning behavior over the range of the studied shear rates, and the viscosity of the blend decreased with increasing PLA content. Also it was found that no equal-viscosity temperature exists between PLA and PS. The mechanical results showed immiscibility between PLA and PS in the blend.