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In situ fibre‐reinforced composite films of poly(lactic acid)/low‐density polyethylene blends: effects of composition on morphology, transport and mechanical properties
Author(s) -
Trongsatitkul Tatiya,
Chaiwong Saowapa
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.5449
Subject(s) - low density polyethylene , materials science , polyethylene , composite material , polymer blend , composite number , polymer , morphology (biology) , scanning electron microscope , crystallinity , melt flow index , copolymer , biology , genetics
This study aimed to investigate the effects of blend composition on packaging‐related properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) blown films. Blend films with PLA contents of 5–20 wt% were produced and compared. Scanning electron micrographs of cross‐sectional cryofractured surfaces of the blend films revealed that in situ fibre‐reinforced composites were obtained. Viscosity ratio of the polymer components of ca 1 confirmed that fibre formation was favourable for this blend system. PLA microdomains were dispersed throughout the film in forms of long fibres (length‐to‐diameter ratio > 100) and ribbons. The number of fibres and ribbons increased with an increase of PLA content. Critical content of PLA was found to be 20 wt% for effective improvement of both moduli and gas barrier properties. Incorporation of poly[ethylene‐ co ‐(methyl acrylate)] compatibilizer showed minimal effect on PLA structure. However, it did improve moduli and O 2 barrier properties when sufficient amount (1.5 pph) was used in 10 wt% PLA/LDPE. In short, flow behaviour, ratio of polymer components and degree of compatibility together played intricate roles in the morphology and hence mechanical and transport properties of PLA/LDPE immiscible blends. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry