Thermal and mechanical properties of PLA/ENR thermoplastic vulcanizates compatibilized with tetrafunctional double-decker silsesquioxanes

Abstract

The influence of the addition of tetrafunctional double-decker silsesquioxanes (DDSQ-ether-4OH) on the compatibility, thermal and mechanical properties of polylactide and epoxidized natural rubber (PLA/ENR) vulcanizates was investigated. The apparent cross-linking density and thermal stability of PLA/ENR vulcanizates were also determined. The FTIR analysis confirmed the compatibilizing effect of DDSQ-ether-4OH and the formation of the PLA-g-ENR copolymer. A strong effect of ENR content and DDSQ-ether-4OH addition on the thermal and mechanical properties of the obtained vulcanizates was demonstrated.