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Impact Modification of Polylactide with a Biodegradable Ethylene/Acrylate Copolymer
Author(s) -
Afrifah Kojo A.,
Matuana Laurent M.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.201000107
Subject(s) - materials science , crystallinity , copolymer , ultimate tensile strength , izod impact strength test , acrylate , ductility (earth science) , composite material , toughening , elongation , ethylene , butyl acrylate , heat deflection temperature , polymer , toughness , organic chemistry , catalysis , creep , chemistry
The effectiveness and efficiency of an ethylene/acrylate copolymer in toughening semicrystalline and amorphous PLA through melt blending is studied. The mechanical properties, phase morphologies, miscibilities, and toughening mechanisms of the blends are assessed. The ethylene/acrylate impact modifier effectively improved the impact strength of the blends, regardless of the PLA type. The semicrystalline blends showed decreased tensile strength and modulus with increased impact modifier content. In contrast, the ductility, elongation at break, and energy to break increased significantly. The relatively low BDT temperature obtained for the PLA blends renders the ethylene/acrylate copolymer impact modifier a desirable additive to toughen PLA for use in cold temperatures.