Effect of the Chemical Structure of Compatibilizers on the Thermal, Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Immiscible PLA/PCL Blends

Abstract

Summary This manuscript addresses the effect of the chemical structure of two block copolymers of low molecular weight employed as compatibilizers on the immiscible blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL). Binary and ternary blends were prepared by melt mixing in a twin screw extruder and the effect of the block copolymers on the morphological, mechanical and thermal behavior was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile testing and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The addition of 5 wt% of block copolymers derived from ϵ‐caprolactone and 1,4 butanediol (C1) or ϵ‐caprolactone and an aliphatic polycarbonate (C2) maintained the size of the dispersed PCL domains practically constant, regardless of the PCL concentration. The compatibilized PLA/PCL blends containing 5 wt% of PCL exhibited a significant enhancement in elongation at break, in comparison to those of the neat PLA or uncompatibilized PLA/PCL blends. The DSC results show the melting temperatures of the PLA were not influenced by the chemical structure of the compatibilizers or PCL concentration. However, such variables changed the melting enthalpy of the PLA and PCL and melting temperature of the PCL.

Fabrication of Chitosan/Polypyrrole‐coated poly(L‐lactic acid)/Polycaprolactone aligned fibre films for enhancement of neural cell compatibility and neurite growth

“…16 However,this conduit could not guide axon growth during the nerve repair. 23 Moreover, the lactic acids from PLLA degradation in the implanted site maybe induce aseptic inflammation. Therefore, composite materials were prepared for nerve plerosis.…”

Study of Miscibility, Crystallization, and Biodegradation of Casting Films of Poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate) and Poly(ϵ‐Caprolactone) Blends

“…PCL blends have been widely explored, especially with brittle biodegradable polymers like poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)(PHB) . However, PBSA/PCL blends have not been systematically investigated in research literature.…”

“…[5] Both polymers can be used in domestic tools, packaging, or even used as biomaterials in biomedical equipment. [4][5][6][7] PCL blends have been widely explored, especially with brittle biodegradable polymers like poly(lactic acid) (PLA) [8][9][10] and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)(PHB). [11,12] However, PBSA/PCL blends have not been systematically investigated in research literature.…”

Thermal Properties and Morphology of Compatible Poly(ethylene oxide)/Natural Rubber‐graft‐poly(methyl methacrylate) Blends

“…Often such blends show poor mechanical properties since there is relatively weak intermolecular interaction between the phases. In response to this challenge, immiscible blends are often being compatibilized . The main focus in compatibilization technique is to stabilize morphology and enhance the adhesion between the phases of immiscible blends.…”

“…In response to this challenge, immiscible blends are often being compatibilized. [6,[11][12][13] The main focus in compatibilization technique is to stabilize morphology and enhance the adhesion between the phases of immiscible blends. Compatibilizers, typically block or graft copolymers are reported to be effective for this purpose.…”