Reactive compatibilization of PLA/TPU blends with a diisocyanate

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 131; no. 10; pp. np - n/a
• Main Authors: Dogan, Sebnem Kemaloglu, Reyes, Efren Andablo, Rastogi, Sanjay, Ozkoc, Guralp
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, NJ Blackwell Publishing Ltd 15.05.2014; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Applied sciences; biodegradable; Blends; Chemical modifications; Chemical reactions and properties; Compatibility; Diisocyanates; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; mechanical properties; Melts; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; polylactide; Polymer blends; Polymers; Reactive processing; Rheological properties; rheology; Urethane thermoplastic elastomers; Viscoelasticity; Strengthening; Mixing; biodegradable; Polymer blends; rheology; Mechanical properties; Thermoplastic rubber; Tensile property; Experimental study; Compatibilizer; Lactone polymer; Heterogeneous mixture; Polyurethane elastomer; Thermal properties; Lactic acid polymer; Organic diisocyanate; Morphology; Aliphatic polymer; Concentration effect; Interface reaction; polylactide; blends; Rheological properties
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.40251

This study focuses on the compatibilization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blends by using 1,4 phenylene diisocyanate (PDI) for the first time, as the compatibilizer. Because of the potential interactions of diisocyanates with OH/COOH, they are useful for reactive processing of PLA/TPU blends in the melt processing. To have insight on the reactively compatibilized structure of PLA/TPU blends, phase morphologies are observed by means of scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological responses of the blends are investigated. The observations are that the brittle behavior of PLA changes to ductile with the addition of TPUs. The addition of PDI improves the tensile properties of the blends. The compatibilization action of PDI is monitored with DMA and rheological experiments. Cross‐over in the G′ and G″ curves of compatibilized blends indicates the relaxation of branches formed in the presence of PDI. The dispersed phase size of TPU decreases in PLA in the presence of PDI due to the improved compatibility. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40251.