Decoloured Novatein® and PLA Blends Compatibilized with Itaconic Anhydride

Abstract:

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) was modified through free radical grafting of itaconic anhydride to create reactive side-chain groups. Modified PLA was blended with Decoloured Novatein^® (DNTP), a thermoplastic protein material using reactive extrusion to produce a degradable material with improved properties compared to neat Decoloured Novatein^®. Varying ratios of blends were prepared. Blending DNTP with PLA was found to increase tensile strength between 22% to 538% and modulus between 201 GPa to 3193 GPa, whereas the strain at break decreased between 80% to 94% depending on the blend ratio. The glass transition temperature of the blends which was measured as the tan δ peak, also revealed an increase when compared to neat DNTP. Scanning electron microscope revealed an enhanced interfacial adhesion between the two phases in the blends with PLA-g-IA suggesting a more homogenous microstructure. The results show the possibility and feasibility of blending DNTP with PLA for use in agricultural and packaging applications.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 884)
• Pages: 3-13
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.884.3
• Online since: August 2018
• Authors: Sandra Izuchukwu, Casparus J.R. Verbeek, James Micheal Bier
• Keywords: Bio-Based Polymer, Blends, Bloodmeal, Decoloured Novatein, Itaconic Anhydride, PLA

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