Crystallization and thermomechanical properties of PLA composites: Effects of additive types and heat treatment |
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| Authors: | J Wootthikanokkhan T Cheachun N Sombatsompop S Thumsorn N Kaabbuathong N Wongta J Wong‐On S Isarankura Na Ayutthaya A Kositchaiyong |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Division of Materials Technology, School of Energy, Environment, and Materials, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi [KMUTT], Bangmod, Bangkok 10140, Thailand;2. Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathumthani 12110, Thailand;3. PTT Research and Technology Institute, PTT Public Co. Ltd. Wang Noi, Ayutthaya, Thailand |
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| Abstract: | This research work has concerned a study on thermomechanical and crystallization properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites containing three different types of additives; namely: kenaf fiber (20 pph), Cloisite30B nanoclay (5 pph), and hexagonal boron nitrile (h‐BN; 5 pph). The composites were prepared using a twin screw extruder before molding. Crystallization behaviors of the various composites were also examined using a differential scanning calorimetry. By adding the additives, tensile modulus of the polymer composites increased, whereas their tensile strength and elongation values decreased as compared to those of the neat PLA. Heat distortion temperature (HDT) values of the materials slightly increased, for about 3–5°C. However, after annealing at 100°C, HDT values of the fabricated PLA composites rapidly increased with annealing time before reaching a plateau after 10 min. The HDT values of above 120°C were achieved when 20 pph kenaf fiber was used as an additive. The above results were in a good agreement with DSC thermograms of the composites, indicating that percentage crystallinity of the materials increased on annealing and crystallization rate of the PLA/kenaf system was the highest. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013 |
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| Keywords: | polyesters biodegradable composites nanostructured polymers |
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