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Asian Journal of Scientific Research

Year: 2018 | Volume: 11 | Issue: 3 | Page No.: 364-375
Research Article

Preparation of Biodegradable Stereocomplex Polylactide Films by Compression Molding Using Poly(ε-caprolactone-co-L-lactide) Copolyester as a Film Former

Yodthong Baimark
Biodegradable Polymers Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, 44150 Mahasarakham, Thailand
LiveDNA: 66.642
Yaowalak Srisuwan
Biodegradable Polymers Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, 44150 Mahasarakham, Thailand
Background and Objective: Bio-renewable and biodegradable stereo complex polylactides (scPLs) have widely investigated for use as high-performance bioplastic products. However, melt process ability and brittleness of the scPL were limited for this purpose. In this study, physicochemical and mechanical properties of scPL/poly(ε-caprolactone-co-L-lactide) copolyester blends with and without chain extension were determined. Materials and Methods: The scPL/copolyester blend pellets were prepared by in situ melt blending of poly(L-lactide), poly(D-lactide) and copolyester. The influences of the copolyester ratios (100/0, 90/10, 80/20 and 60/40 w/w) and chain extension on the characteristics of the scPL pellets, including stereo complex formation, thermal stability, melt flow index (MFI) and their film forming were determined. Properties of the compressed blend films were also investigated. Results: The copolyester blending enhanced the stereo complexation of the blend pellets. The MFI of the blend pellets increased with the copolyester ratio. The continuous and smooth blend films were successfully prepared using a compression molding technique when the copolyester ratio was increased up to 20% wt. The compression force also enhanced the stereo complexation of the blend films. The chain extension improved the phase compatibility of the scPL/copolyester blend films. The flexibility of the blend films slightly improved as the copolyester ratio increased. Conclusion: This study could provide a new insight into the synergistic effects of copolyester blending, chain extension and compression force for designing high-performance scPL products with controllable film forming and flexibility.
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