Abstract
To tune the toughness of PLA, a novel pathway to chemically modify PLA via reactive extrusion in the presence of “reactive” PEG derivatives is proposed. PEG methyl ether methacrylate (MAPEG) and PEG methyl ether acrylate (AcrylPEG) are melt‐mixed and extruded with PLA in the presence of 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5‐di(tert‐butylperoxy)hexane (L101) as a free‐radical initiator. Molecular characterization reveals that about 20 and 65%, respectively, of the initially introduced MAPEG and AcrylPEG can be grafted onto the PLA backbone. The plasticization effect is demonstrated by a significant decrease of the glass transition temperature and storage modulus together with a significant increase of the elongation at break as compared to neat PLA.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
