Poly(1-butene) as a modifier of polylactide properties

Abstract

This work investigates the effects of semicrystaline poly(1-butene) on amorphous polylactide in relation to mechanical, thermal and rheological properties. The blends were prepared by melt mixing, and poly(1-butene) content ranged from 5 to 40 wt %. It was found that 5 wt % poly(1-butene) heightened impact strength by more than double, however, other mechanical properties decreased. Poly(1-butene) significantly affected the glass transition temperature of polylactide, while the melting temperature of blends with 5 and 15 wt % poly(1-butene) slightly decreased. Thermogravimetric measurements revealed that the thermal stability of polylactide improved if poly(1-butene) was present, and rheological properties exhibited enhanced complex viscosity in combination with dynamic moduli. © 2015, Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.