Synergistic Efficiency of Tricresyl Phosphate and Montmorillonite on the Mechanical Characteristics and Flame Retardant Properties of Polylactide and Poly(butylene succinate) Blends

Abstract

The main aim of this research was to investigate the synergistic influence of additives and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) in improving both the mechanical and flame retardant properties of polylactide (PLA) blends. Tricresyl phosphate (TCP) and montmorillonite (MMT) were the additives used to improve the mechanical characteristics and fire resistance of PLA. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms revealed that the addition of TCP and MMT significantly affected their thermal behaviors. The results of the mechanical and morphological characterizations were in agreement with the changes in thermal behavior. The impact strength and limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of PLA significantly increased with the presence of PBS. The failure mode of the blends as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) changed from brittle to ductile. The addition of TCP and MMT produced excellent anti-dripping and self-extinguishing behaviors of the blends, achieving V-0 rating. For the PLA/PBS blends, the synergistic combination of PBS and additives led to an acceleration of cold crystallization, a significant increment of flexibility and impact toughness, and an improvement of flame retardancy.