Reactive extrusion: A useful process to manufacture structurally modified PLA/o-MMT composites

In the present work, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) sheets reinforced with organically modified montmorillonite (o-MMT) were manufactured through reactive extrusion-calendering using a masterbatch approach in a pilot plant. Reaction monitoring analysis suggests the occurrence of premature reactions between...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Applied science and manufacturing, 2016-09, Vol.88, p.106-115
Main Authors: Cailloux, J., Hakim, R.N., Santana, O.O., Bou, J., Abt, T., Sánchez-Soto, M., Carrasco, F., Maspoch, M.Ll
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
A. Biocomposite
B. Mechanical properties
Biocomposite
Calendering
Cavitation
Clay (material)
D. Process monitoring
E. Extrusion
Enginyeria dels materials
Extrusion
Mechanical properties
Monitoring
Particulate composites
Pilot plants
Polymers
Polímers
Process monitoring
Tethering
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC
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Summary:In the present work, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) sheets reinforced with organically modified montmorillonite (o-MMT) were manufactured through reactive extrusion-calendering using a masterbatch approach in a pilot plant. Reaction monitoring analysis suggests the occurrence of premature reactions between o-MMT and the reactive agent; lowering further structural changes in the polymeric matrix. While calendered sheets exhibited a homogenous and preferential distribution of clay particles in MD, the coexistence of mixed structures, involving tactoids of various sizes as well as intercalated clay layers was observed. However, a higher and finer dispersion of o-MMT particles was achieved through clay–polymer tethering via chain extender molecules. Under tensile loading, the aforementioned clay dispersion enhanced multiple cavitation processes, notably improving PLA shear flow.
ISSN:1359-835X
1878-5840
DOI:10.1016/j.compositesa.2016.05.024