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Stereocomplex PLLA-PBAT copolymer and its composites with multi-walled carbon nanotubes for electrostatic dissipative application
Author(s)
Veang-In, Onpreeya
Srithep, Yottha
Morris, John
Aussawasathien, Darunee
Worajittiphon, Patnarin
Date Issued
January 1, 2023
Type
Article
Abstract
Because of its low thermal stability and brittleness, both the drawbacks of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) were solved by forming stereocomplex (ST) and its copolymer with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLLA-PBAT). In this study, we synthesized PLLA and PLLA-PBAT copolymer by ring-opening polymerization. Both polymers were blended with poly(D-lactide) to form ST crystals. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were added into the polymer matrix at 5 phr by the solvent casting method. The surface resistance of the composite was ≅106 Ω, which is appropriate for electrostatic dissipative purposes. The copolymer and its ST crystallites were confirmed by the peaks in infrared spectra at 922 and 908 cm−1, respectively. The PLLA-PBAT copolymer had 60% lower tensile strength than PLLA and its stereocomplex, but 10% higher elongation at break. The elongation at break of the PLLA-PBAT copolymer/MWCNT composite decreased by 17% while its thermal stability slightly increased when compared to the unfilled copolymer. The melting temperature for both ST PLLA-PBAT copolymers, with and without MWCNTs, was around 225°C, which is 50°C higher than that of the homocrystals. Moreover, the glass transition temperature and crystallinity of the ST PLLA-PBAT copolymer also increased by adding MWCNTs.
Citation
E Polymers, 23(1), 2023