Abstract
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biobased polyester with ever-growing applications in the fields of packaging and medicine. Despite its popularity, it suffers from inherent brittleness, a very slow degradation rate and a high production cost. To tune the properties of PLA, block copolymers with poly(propylene adipate) (PPAd) prepolymer were prepared by polymerizing L-lactide and PPAd oligomers via reactive extrusion (REX) in a torque rheometer. The effect of reaction temperature and composition on the molecular weight, chemical structure, and physicochemical properties of the copolymers was studied. The introduction of PPAd successfully increased the elongation and the biodegradation rate of PLA. REX is an efficient and economical alternative method for the fast and continuous synthesis of PLA-based copolymers with tunable properties.
Highlights
The negative effects of conventional petrochemical-based plastics on the environment, namely the accumulation of waste [1], marine litter, microplastics [2] and contribution to CO2 emissions, have raised concerns about the future of the planet
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-co-ppm (PLA) and 173.1 ppm (PPAd) block copolymers were successfully prepared by reactive extrusion (REX) in a torque rheometer, showing potential to be scaled-up by REX in a twin-screw extruder, in an economic and fast way
The molecular weight of the materials was comparable to similar copolymers synthesized with typical ring opening polymerization (ROP) and melt polycondensation reactions that require several hours to be completed
Summary
The negative effects of conventional petrochemical-based plastics on the environment, namely the accumulation of waste [1], marine litter, microplastics [2] and contribution to CO2 emissions, have raised concerns about the future of the planet. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a biobased, biocompatible, and compostable aliphatic polyester is one of the most produced and used biobased plastics in the world [11]. PLA is processable with the typical extrusion, injection and blow moulding methods, and its properties can be tuned by changing the L- and D-lactic acid stereoisomer ratio that in turn tunes its crystallinity. It is used mainly as a packaging and biomedical material [6], and it is the most popular thermoplastic for fused filament fabrication (3D printing) filaments, a newer application that skyrocketed the demand for PLA [13]. For many years, and still to this day, PLA is referred to as biodegradable, it is practically only susceptible to industrial composting [14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
