Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer obtained from the fermentation of renewable resources, which can also be used in industrial areas. The employment of PLA is restricted by its brittle nature at room temperature. This study, it is aimed to prepare PLA blends with PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) to overcome this drawback. Thus, it can be provided new raw materials to many sectors, especially textile, automotive and electronic products, by preparing biodegradable, environmentally friendly materials with better performance properties. PLA/PBT blends containing 5%, 10%, and 15% PBT by weight were produced in a twin screw extruder using with using maleic anhydride grafted ethylene/butyl acrylate (EBA-g-MAH) as a compatibilizer. For comparison studies, blends of PLA/PBT without compatibilizer were also prepared. Examinations on the flow, viscoelastic properties, and rheologic characteristics of prepared samples were carried out by using Melt Flow Index values and Rotational Rheometer measurements. Mechanical and impact resistance characteristics were identified in accordance with the relevant standards. Physical properties of blends such as molding shrinkage, density, and hardness values were also determined. Degradation or cross-linking-induced changes in the chain structure was not observed during the investigation via using a rotational rheometer for PBT samples at 240 °C /15 min., and PLA samples at 260 °C /15 min. Notched izod impact test results show that adding compatibilizer increases 16% impact resistance of PLA/PBT blends. The tensile modulus values of the blends containing compatibilizer decreased by 2% approximately. These results show the transition from brittle to ductile behavior of PLA for compatibilized blends.
Electrosorption which can be defined as adsorption onto the surfaces of charged electrodes, has been developing as an efficient and environmentally friendly technology for removing toxic pollutants from aqueous solutions. In this study, an industrial process was used for fabrication of activated carbon electrodes (ACEs). An electroless metal deposition method was used for the modification of AC granules with Ag for antibacterial activity of electrodes. The antibacterial activity of Ag modified activated carbon electrodes (Ag-ACEs) for E.coli bacteria commonly found in water was tested. Adsorption and electrosorption behaviors of E.coli aqueous solutions, onto ACEs and Ag-ACEs were examined in a cyclic electrosorption system. It has been concluded that the performance of Ag-ACEs is better than ACEs as an electrode for electrosorption of E.coli. Moreover polarization can significantly enhance the removal efficiency of E.coli on both ACEs and Ag-ACEs. Finally, electrosorption capacity of the system for E.coli was determined.
Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a promising polymer with its value and potential due to its sustainability, low carbon footprint, and being a superior bio-based polymer compared to other bioplastics. Since it is also a compostable aliphatic polyester, has been frequently subjected to research. Researchers have conducted studies on the compatibility of PLA, which is a bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable, renewable polymer, with traditional petrochemical-based polymers, especially polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is highly important that applications of PLA/polyester blends will ensure that the materials developed are not only economically and sustainable but also can meet current and future appropriate needs. PLA-based materials have some disadvantages such as slow biodegradation rate, high cost, and low toughness, and to eliminate mentioned drawbacks generally blends are prepared with petroleum-based polymers. In this review, information about the perspectives with studies for PLA/polyester blends; approaches to the subject, potential application areas, and contributions for the future were given.
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