Talc as a nucleating agent and reinforcing filler in poly(lactic acid) composites

• Published in: Polymer engineering and science Vol. 54; no. 1; pp. 64 - 70
• Main Authors: Shakoor, A., Thomas, N.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, NJ Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2014; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composite materials; Composites; Crystallinity; Distortion; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Mechanical properties; Melt blending; Modulus of elasticity; Molds & molding; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Pressure molding; Symbols; Talcs; Technology of polymers; Storage modulus; Talc; Mechanical properties; Dispersion reinforced material; Crystallinity; Experimental study; Composite material; Compression molding; Young modulus; Lactic acid polymer; Morphology; Aliphatic polymer; Concentration effect; Nucleating agent; Rheological properties
• ISSN: 0032-3888; 1548-2634
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.23543

The effect of talc on the crystallinity and mechanical properties of a series of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/talc composites has been investigated. The composites were prepared by melt blending followed by compression molding. It was found that talc acted as a nucleating agent and increased the crystallinity of the PLA from 2% to 25%. There was significant improvement in Young's modulus of the composites with increasing talc addition and these results were found to fit the Halpin Tsai model. Thermo‐mechanical tests confirmed that the combination of increased crystallinity and storage modulus leads to improvement in the heat distortion properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:64–70, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers