Melt-blending polylactide

Pluta, M., Galeski, A., Alexandre, M., Paul, M. A., and Dubois, P. (2002). Polylactide/montmorillonite nanocomposites and microcomposites prepared by melt blending Structure and some physical properties. J A lPoI rrhSd., 86,1497-1506. 

K.M. Schreck, M.A. Hillmyer, Block copolymers and melt blends of polylactide with Nodax microbial polyesters preparation and mechanical properties, J. Biotechnol. 132 (3) (2007) 287-295. 

Li, Y., Shimizu, H. Toughening of polylactide by melt blending with a biodegradable poly(ether)urethane elastomer. Macromol. Biosci. 7, 921-928 (2007)... 

Anderson, K.S., Lim, S.H., Hillmyer, M.A. Toughening of polylactide by melt blending with linear low-density polyethylene. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 89, 3757-3768 (2003)... 

Highly Toughened Polylactide-Based Materials through Melt-Blending Techniques... 

Acrylic acid-grafted polylactide (PLA-g-AA) and multihydroxyl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been melt blended to improve thermal stability and mechanical properties of the composite. The formation of a covalent bond (ester linkage) resulted in a significant improvement in compatibility [98]. Alternatively, carboxylic acid-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were grafted onto PLEA by a one-step in situ polycondensation reaction [99]. 

ILs have been recently evaluated as non-volatile plasticizers and as external or internal lubricants in several polymers including PVC [3], PMMA [4] and polyamides [5]. In this article, an amorphous PL A (polylactide) polymer is blended with two phosphonium-based ILs at various ratios by melt-blending, solution casting and a microencapsulation technique in order to investigate polymer/IL miscibility and its role in the development of a modified polymer with novel rheological, mechanical and thermal characteristics. Results of thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, capillary rheometry, batch mixer torque measurements and optical microscopy are discussed. 

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