| Abstract: | The mechanical properties and microstructure of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) stereocomplex spherulite at the micrometric scale were investigated using nanoindentation and synchrotron radiation scanning X‐ray microdiffraction, which exhibits a new growth habit with more and more compact lamellae. Using atomic force microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy, a unique sunken morphology was found. Unbalanced surface stress and volume shrinkage are proposed as the main factors for the sunken morphology, which is also contributed by a novel growth regime driven by the hydrogen bonding between two PLA enantiomers. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry |
