Advances in Microcellular Foam Processing of PLA

Abstract:

PLA is a bio-based biodegradable plastic, which has excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Because the mechanical properties of microcellular foaming material is similar to petroleum-based plastics (PS), PLA foams have been considered as ideal alternative materials. However, PLA has several inherent drawbacks such as low melt strength and slow crystallization kinetics, which severely inhibit the PLA foaming process to produce high-density forms and uniform cell morphology. By adding a chain extender or nanoparticles, and blending with other biological materials, these ways could effectively enhance the expansion ratio and the cell density of PLA and improve the mechanical properties of PLA foams. The most current investigations on microcellular foaming of PLA were reviewed in the article, and outlook of PLA foams was raised.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 717)
• Pages: 68-72
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.717.68
• Online since: November 2016
• Authors: Zhi Zhong Han, You Cheng Zhang, Wei Min Yang, Peng Cheng Xie*
• Keywords: Blends, Blowing Agent, Microcellular Foaming, Modified, PLA

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