Biopolymer blends based on poly(lactic acid) and polyamide for durable applications

ABSTRACT

Polymer blends between PLA and PA11 by reactive blending for durable application were investigated. Ethylene-acrylic ester-glycidyl methacrylate (EAG) and Ethylene-acrylic ester-maleic anhydride (EAM) were used as compatibilizers. The SEM results revealed the excellent dispersion of PA11 particles in PLA matrix. The EAG addition caused the smaller PA11 particles size than EAM addition. The MFI of blends increased with PA11 increase. The blend at 90/10 ratio showed the highest mechanical properties. After the accelerated weathering test, the specimen appearance changed and degraded. PLA/PA11/EAM exhibited the lower mechanical properties than PLA/PA11/EAG due to the differences of chemical structures between compatibilizers.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Poly(lactic acid)
• polyamide
• polymer blend
• biopolymers
• durable application

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Institute of Research and Development Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin for funding support. The authors are also greatly thankful to the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin.

Notes on contributors

Rattikarn Khankrua

Rattikarn Khankrua, Dr. is a lecturer at the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. She experiences in polymer blends, composites, bioplastics, and polymer reaction.

Atiwat Wiriya-Amornchai

Atiwat Wiriya-Amornchai, Mr. is a lecturer at the Division of Materials and Processing Technology, Faculty of Engineering and technology, King’s Mongkut’s University of technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Rayong, Thailand. His research interests are Biopolymers and Bio-Composites.

Narit Triamnak

Narit Triamnak, Asst. Prof. Dr. is now a faculty member at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. He has strong experiences in materials characterizations and properties investigations. His research interest involves structural-related properties of materials, especially, semiconductors.

Supakij Suttiruengwong, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ing. is now a lecturer at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. He has strong experiences in both industry and academic researches. His research interest involves Bioplastics compounds, End-of-life options for bioplastics. Bioplastics applications and Circular economy for plastics.

Supakij Suttiruengwong

Supakij Suttiruengwong, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ing. is now a lecturer at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. He has strong experiences in both industry and academic researches. His research interest involves Bioplastics compounds, End-of-life options for bioplastics. Bioplastics applications and Circular economy for plastics.