Poly(lactic acid) plasticized with low‐molecular‐weight polyesters: structural, thermal and biodegradability features

Abstract

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was plasticized with ester oligomers having different structure, molecular weight and carboxylic acid content as end‐functionalities. In particular PLA oligomers and a low‐molecular‐weight polyester of adipic acid and 1,2‐propanediol (an adipate‐based derivative) were used and compared. The plasticizing capability was tested and the final structural and thermal properties of PLA matrix were evaluated by correlating the various features to the chemical and physical characteristics of these additives. SEC, DSC, TGA, tensile tests, XRD and SEM results, even after annealing, were collected, and the related data analysed and evaluated with reference to additive starting properties. All the oligoesters were able to generate flexible compounds, but PLA oligomers provided mixtures with reduced structural and thermal stability. Finally, the best performing blend was tested for biodegradability to definitely assess the material suitability for the final application (sustainable packaging). © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry

Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Silica–Lignin/Polylactide Composites Subjected to Biodegradation

“…The values of the EB parameter of the evaluated samples were significantly different. PLA generally suffers from a low deformation at break thus requires the use of plasticizers [48]. However, in this case the highest value of this parameter (ca.…”

Fragility of short‐chain poly(lactic acid)s derivatives by combining dielectric spectroscopy and fast scanning calorimetry

“…Although flexibility improvement was demonstrated from the addition of many plasticizers, the research for efficient additives is still intensive to answer other requirements like decent barrier properties and biocompatibility. 2,3 For the latter, the lactic acid oligomers (OLAs), which were characterized by Cicogna et al 4 in terms of structure, thermal features, and biodegradability once mixed with PLA, showed promises. In the current study, the investigation of the OLAs molecular mobility at the glass transition is motivated by its connection with the free volume, 5 an essential structural criterion to understand barrier properties.…”

Compatibilization of Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA)/Plasticized Cellulose Acetate Extruded Blends through the Addition of Reactively Extruded Comb Copolymers

“…The preliminary production of a compatibilizer based on AC-g-PLA comb copolymers, obtained by combining cellulose acetate with poly(lactic acid) chains and by using a coupling agent, through a reactive extrusion approach, was never attempted, but it can result much advantageous because of the use of cheap additives largely available on a commercial scale and because of the simple production procedure. In particular, lactic acid oligomers (OLA) are widely available on a commercial point of view as they are used as plasticizer in PLA [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ] or PVC [ 35 , 36 ]. Thus, in this study, the chemical synthesis of the compatibilizer consisting of cellulose acetate and OLA is described.…”