POLYLACTIDE/CELLULOSE ACETATE/TRIETHYL CITRATE BLENDS AND THE EFFECT OF CELLULOSE ACETATE PERCENTAGE ON BLEND PROPERTIES

摘要

Polylactide (PLA) is a bio-based, biodegradable polymer that is inexpensive and readilyavailable. It is derived from lactic acid, which is produced via the fermentation of sugar-containingcrops. Under suitable conditions, PLA will compost into the natural end products of carbon dioxide,water, and humus. Already used in a variety of compostable serviceware (cups, bowls, silverware, etc.)and other disposable products, PLA has gained popularity over the past few years as industry and thepublic have become aware of the impact of waste materials (especially non-degradable plastics) on theearth's ecosystems as well as the need for sustainable materials from renewable starting products. PLA'shigh modulus and low elongation at break, however, make the unmodified polymer unsuitable for usesin flexible packaging applications, an area where the need for biodegradable polymers is evident. In thisstudy, PLA is blended with Natural Rubber (NR) to produce an all-renewable, eco-friendly polymerblend. Organoclay is used as a compatibilizer between the two immiscible polymers. Thermal,mechanical, and rheological properties of the blends at varying percentages of NR are studied.