The Influence of In-Mould Annealing and Accelerated Ageing on the Properties of Impact-Modified Poly(Lactic Acid)/Biochar Composites

Abstract

In the last few decades, a large number of natural additives have been analysed in connection with the improvement of the properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) bioplastic materials. This article comprehensively analyses the applicability of a highly stable and progressive multifunctional additive produced from renewable resources—biochar. The effect of biochar on the structural development and various thermo-mechanical properties was evaluated as a function of the biochar size and volume, addition of an impact modifier and in-mould annealing during injection moulding. In addition, the effect of accelerated ageing on the change in properties was also analysed. The evaluated results showed a significant influence of the particle size and biochar content on the properties of PLA biocomposites. However, the crucial aspect was the production process with a higher mould temperature and longer production time. Consequently, the effect of additives with adjusted processing worked synergistically on the performance of the resulting biocomposites. The accelerated ageing process did not induce any significant changes in the mechanical, impact and heat resistance behaviour of neat PLA. On the other hand, significant effects on the behaviour of the modified PLA biocomposites were observed. Impact-modified PLA achieved a toughness of 28 kJ/m2, an increase of 61% compared to neat PLA. Similar observations were made when submicron biochar was incorporated into the PLA matrix (a 22% increase with PLA/5B1). These increases were even more pronounced when injected into a 100 °C mould. Due to the synergistic effect, excellent impact toughness results of 95 kJ/m2 (a 428% increase) were achieved with PLA/IM/5B1. Moreover, these results persisted even after accelerated ageing.