During the last decade, among biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been considered as a potential alternative to many synthetic plastic materials on the basis of its good processability, and relatively low cost [1]. Commercial PLA consists mainly of L-lactic acid units. Its applications are limited by the low glass transition (about 60 °C) and the slow crystallization rate [2]. In general, the crystallinity control of injection moulded PLA can be achieved by adding proper nucleating agents during extrusion [3, 4]. A better understanding of the crystallization behaviour and its effects on the mechanical properties is critical for PLA to extend its range of application. Several nucleating agents (LAK301, PDLA, Boron Nitride) and nano fillers (Talc, Calcium Carbonate), were tested in variable amounts and at two different temperatures of the mould. For selected formulations the Takayanagi model was applied to correlate Young’s Modulus with the degree of crystallization.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT NUCLEATING AGENTS ON CRYSTALLIZATION AND PROPERTIES OF PLA
ALIOTTA, LAURA MARIA ANTONIETTA;CINELLI, PATRIZIA;ANGUILLESI, IRENE;COLTELLI, MARIA BEATRICE;LAZZERI, ANDREA
2015-01-01
Abstract
During the last decade, among biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been considered as a potential alternative to many synthetic plastic materials on the basis of its good processability, and relatively low cost [1]. Commercial PLA consists mainly of L-lactic acid units. Its applications are limited by the low glass transition (about 60 °C) and the slow crystallization rate [2]. In general, the crystallinity control of injection moulded PLA can be achieved by adding proper nucleating agents during extrusion [3, 4]. A better understanding of the crystallization behaviour and its effects on the mechanical properties is critical for PLA to extend its range of application. Several nucleating agents (LAK301, PDLA, Boron Nitride) and nano fillers (Talc, Calcium Carbonate), were tested in variable amounts and at two different temperatures of the mould. For selected formulations the Takayanagi model was applied to correlate Young’s Modulus with the degree of crystallization.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
