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Biocomposites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and pectin, which are low-cost organic materials, were prepared using an internal mixing machine in various pectin contents, i.e., 2, 4, 6 and 8% w/w. When pectin was added as a nucleating agent, the mechanical properties of the biocomposites, such as tensile and impact testing, were considerably improved, particularly following the annealing process. In addition, the PLA–pectin annealed at 4% w/w showed the highest strength and thermal stability. This can be explained by the fact that PLA containing 4% pectin by weight had the best dispersion, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and synchrotron-based 2D chemical mapping FT-IR. Moreover, pectin not only serves as a reinforcing material to improve mechanical characteristics but also aids in the crystallization of PLA, which was confirmed by in situ synchrotron-based wide-angle X-ray scattering (SR-WAXS). The crystallization rate and crystallinity were maximum at 8% w/w pectin addition according to the SR-WAXS results. This shows that pectin dispersion is the most important factor in determining the mechanical and thermal properties of biocomposites.

polymer journal

Structural and mechanical properties of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) and pectin composites: using bionucleating agent to improve crystallization behavior