Development of Bio-based and Biodegradable Film from Carbon Dioxide Based Polymer and Poly(Lactic acid)
Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Abstract: In order to develop bioplastic alternative to conventional petro-based flexible packaging, this study focused on the fabrication and evaluation of a bio-based and biodegradable cast film. The material chosen for the matrix of film is a blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC). The effect of a chain extender at different loading levels on the mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of the films were investigated. With the chain extender, the compatibility and interfacial adhesion between the two polymer phases significantly improved. It is hypothesized that a PLA-chain extender-PPC copolymer is being formed during the reactive extrusion process, which was revealed by characterization studies. The elongation at break of the film with optimal amount of chain extender showed dramatic increase by more than 2000%. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) studies demonstrated that chain extender hindered the crystallization of the film which explained the decrease in both water and oxygen barrier.
Author: Qirui Sun
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2892586362