Crystallization behavior and morphology of polylactide and PLA/clay nanocomposites in the presence of chain extenders

The effect of clay and chain extender on the nonisothermal, isothermal crystallization kinetics, and morphology of polylactide (PLA) was investigated in this study. PLA and PLA‐based nanocomposites containing 2 wt% organoclay were prepared via melt compounding. Three commercially available chain ext...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer engineering and science 2013-05, Vol.53 (5), p.1053-1064
Main Authors: Najafi, N., Heuzey, M.C., Carreau, P.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Chains
Chains (polymeric)
Chemical properties
Chemical reaction, Rate of
Clay
Clay (material)
Composites
Composition
Crystallization
Degree of crystallinity
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Identification and classification
Kinetics
Lactic acid
Melting
Morphology
Nanocomposites
Polylactides
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Polymeric composites
Technology of polymers
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Summary:The effect of clay and chain extender on the nonisothermal, isothermal crystallization kinetics, and morphology of polylactide (PLA) was investigated in this study. PLA and PLA‐based nanocomposites containing 2 wt% organoclay were prepared via melt compounding. Three commercially available chain extenders were used: polycarbodiimide (PCDI), tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite (TNPP), and Joncryl ADR4368F. The nanoclay particles were found to act as nucleating agents. Chain extender incorporation, however, had diverse effects on both crystallization rate and degree of crystallinity. Nonisothermal DSC results revealed that the addition of PCDI increased the cold‐crystallization temperature (Tc) from 106 to 114°C, reduced the degree of crystallinity from 6.3 to 5.3%, and resulted in the formation of bimodal melting peaks in PLA. On the other hand, the reduction of chain ends in the presence of TNPP resulted in a significant increase of the crystallization rate and degree of crystallinity from 6.3 to 15.2%. In the case of Joncryl, its incorporation led to the formation of a long‐chain branching structure, which disrupted the chain packing. Therefore, the degree of crystallinity (from 6.3 to 1.6%) and the rate of crystallization decreased, while Tc was increased from 106 to 122°C in the presence of Joncryl. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © Society of Plastics Engineers
ISSN:0032-3888
1548-2634
DOI:10.1002/pen.23355