Talc as a nucleating agent and reinforcing filler in poly(lactic acid) composites

The effect of talc on the crystallinity and mechanical properties of a series of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/talc composites has been investigated. The composites were prepared by melt blending followed by compression molding. It was found that talc acted as a nucleating agent and increased the crystall...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer engineering and science 2014-01, Vol.54 (1), p.64-70
Main Authors: Shakoor, A., Thomas, N.L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Composite materials
Composites
Crystallinity
Distortion
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Mechanical properties
Melt blending
Modulus of elasticity
Molds & molding
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Pressure molding
Symbols
Talcs
Technology of polymers
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Summary:The effect of talc on the crystallinity and mechanical properties of a series of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/talc composites has been investigated. The composites were prepared by melt blending followed by compression molding. It was found that talc acted as a nucleating agent and increased the crystallinity of the PLA from 2% to 25%. There was significant improvement in Young's modulus of the composites with increasing talc addition and these results were found to fit the Halpin Tsai model. Thermo‐mechanical tests confirmed that the combination of increased crystallinity and storage modulus leads to improvement in the heat distortion properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:64–70, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
ISSN:0032-3888
1548-2634
DOI:10.1002/pen.23543