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Structure and Mechanical Properties of Poly(lactic acid) Filled with (Starch nanocrystal)‐graft‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) |
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| Authors: | Jiahui Yu Fujin Ai Alain Dufresne Shanjun Gao Jin Huang Peter R. Chang |
| Affiliation: | 1. College of New Drug Innovation Research & Development, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China;2. Joint Laboratory of Polymer Modification and Functional Materials, College of Chemical Engineering and College of Materials Science & Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China;3. Ecole Francaise de Papeterie et des Industries Graphiques, Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble (EFPG‐INPG) BP65, 38402 Saint‐Martin d'Héres Cédex, France;4. Bioproducts and Bioprocesses National Science Program, Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X2, Canada |
| Abstract: | Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) was grafted to the surface of starch nanocrystals (StN) via microwave‐assisted ROP. The resultant nanoparticles were then incorporated into a poly(lactic acid) matrix to produce fully‐biodegradable nanocomposites with good mechanical properties. A loading level of 5 wt.‐% StN‐g‐PCL resulted in simultaneous enhancements of strength and elongation. The StN‐g‐PCL self‐aggregated as rubbery microparticles to enhance the elongation by ca. 10‐fold over that of neat PLA. Meanwhile, the grafted PCL chains were miscible with PLA and formed a stress‐transferring interface to the StN, providing a reinforcing function.  |
| Keywords: | graft copolymers mechanical properties nanocomposites poly(ε ‐caprolactone) poly(lactic acid) starch nanocrystals |