Preparation and Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Epoxidized Natural Rubber/Nano-Silica Composites

Abstract:

This study aimed to improve the toughness property of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by incorporating epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), an elastomeric material and silica nanoparticle (nSiO₂), a spherical inorganic nanofiller. ENR with 30mol% epoxidation (ENR 30) was first prepared via in situ epoxidation of natural rubber by performic acid generated from the reaction between formic acid and hydrogen peroxide in the latex stage. The PLA was melt blended with three weight percentages (10, 20 and 30wt%) of ENR in an internal mixer, followed by a compression molding. The effects of ENR loadings on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the blends were first investigated. It was found that the addition of ENR 30 increased the toughness property of the blends. The blend at 20wt% ENR 30 exhibited the highest impact strength and elongation at break, and so was selected for preparing nanocomposites with three loadings (1, 2 and 3 parts per hundred of resins) of nano-silica (nSiO₂)_. The results showed that all PLA/ENR 30/nSiO₂ nanocomposites exhibited higher impact strength and thermal stability than the neat 80/20 PLA/ENR 30 blend.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 773)
• Pages: 20-24
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.773.20
• Online since: July 2018
• Authors: Auttapol Mongkolvai, Saowaroj Chuayjuljit, Phasawat Chaiwutthinan, Amnouy Larpkasemsuk, Anyaporn Boonmahitthisud*
• Keywords: Epoxidized Natural Rubber, In Situ Epoxidation, Poly(Lactic Acid), Silica Nanoparticles

References

[1] A. B. Nair, R. Joseph, Eco-friendly bio-composites using natural rubber (NR) matrices and natural fiber reinforcements, in: Y. Ikeda (Eds.), Chemistry, Manufacture and Applications of Natural Rubber, Woodhead Publishing, India, 2014, pp.249-283.

DOI: 10.1533/9780857096913.2.249

[2] A. Noreen, K. M. Zia, M. Zuber, M. Ali, M. Mujahid, A critical review of algal biomass: A versatile platform of bio-based polyesters from renewable resources. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 86 (2016) 937-949.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.01.067

[3] T. Mekonnen, P. Mussone, H. Khalil, D. Bressler, Progress in bio-based plastics and plasticizing modifications. J. Mater. Chem. A, 1(43) (2013) 13379-13398.

DOI: 10.1039/c3ta12555f

[4] L. Xiao, B. Wang, G. Yang, M. Gauthier, Poly(lactic acid)-based biomaterials: synthesis, modification and applications, in: D. N. Ghista (Eds.), Biomedical science, Engineering and Technology, InTech, China, 2012, pp.247-282.

DOI: 10.5772/23927

[5] C. Zhang, W. Wang, Y. Huang, Y. Pan, L. Jiang, Y. Dan, Y. Luo, Z. Peng, Thermal, mechanical and rheological properties of polylactide toughened by epoxidized natural rubber. Mater. Des. 45 (2013) 198-205.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2012.09.024

[6] P. Phinyocheep, Chemical modification of natural rubber (NR) for improved performance, in: S. Kohjiya and Y. Ikeda (Eds.), Manufacture and Applications of Natural Rubber, Woodhead Publishing, Thailand, 2014, pp.68-118.

DOI: 10.1533/9780857096913.1.68

[7] G. N. Onyeagoro, Reactive compatibilization of natural rubber (NR)/carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) blends by maleic anhydride-grafted polyisoprene (MAPI) and epoxy resin dual compatibilizer. J. Eng. Sci. 2(3) (2013) 7-16.

[8] K. Pongtanayut, C. Thongpin, O. Santawitee, The effect of rubber on morphology, thermal properties and mechanical properties of PLA/NR and PLA/ENR blends. Enrgy. Proced. 34 (2013) 888-897.

DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2013.06.826

[9] M. U. Wahit, A. Hassan, A. N. Ibrahim, N. A. Zawawi, K. Kunasegeran, Mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance of epoxidized natural rubber toughened polylactic acid blends. Sains. Malay. 44(11) (2015) 1615-1623.