Bio-plastics and elastomers from polylactic acid/thermoplastic polyurethane blends

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 131; no. 22; pp. np - n/a
• Main Authors: Jašo, Vladislav, Cvetinov, Miroslav, Rakić, Srđan, Petrović, Zoran S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Blackwell Publishing Ltd 15.11.2014; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Blends; Dispersion; Elastomers; Materials science; mechanical properties; Medical; Morphology; Polylactic acid; Polymer blends; Polymers; polyurethanes; Urethane thermoplastic elastomers
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.41104

ABSTRACT Blends of two biocompatible polymers: thermoplastic polyester‐urethane (TPU) and polylactic acid (PLA) were studied. The effect of the blending ratio on blend morphology and properties was examined by running a series of blends from 10 to 80 wt % of PLA. Increasing TPU concentration in the blends lowered the glass transition and melting point of PLA indicating that the components were compatible and partially miscible. The blends with 10–40 wt % PLA are hard, reinforced elastomers, while those with 60–80 wt % PLA are tough plastics. Cocontinuous morphology was suggested in samples with 40 and 50 wt % PLA. Inversion points between 30 and 40 wt % PLA (from globular phase is dispersed in the matrix to a cocontinuous morphology) and between 50 and 60 wt % PLA (a transition from cocontinuous to TPU dispersed in the PLA matrix) were observed. Elastomers with higher PLA content and intermediate morphology displayed a combination of high tensile strength, hardness, relatively high elongation and modulus. New materials have potential applications in the medical field. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41104.