Approaches on the Complex Crystallization in PLA/Babassu Based on Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analyses

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA/5% Babassu compounds were molten mixed, afterwards aged at temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees C during 15 to 60 min. The aging effect on the phase transitions of PLA compounds was investigated using modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), through analysis of total, reversing and non-reversing heat flows. The crystallization and melting phenomena were evidenced, as well as the increase of crystalline ordering upon aging. The kinetics of cold crystallization and recrystallization during the melting event were solely elucidated using MDSC. The phase transitions were modeled using Pseudo-Avrami, which displayed good fits between the theoretical and experimental data. This work reports the influence of the composite aging on reordering and recrystallization phenomena of PLA and PLA/Babassu composite with insights of the reordering and recrystallization phenomena.

Automated summary

This study investigates the influence of aging on the phase transitions of PLA compounds. The results show an increase in crystalline ordering after aging, and the kinetics of cold crystallization and recrystallization are elucidated using modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). Pseudo-Avrami model is found to fit the experimental data well. The findings provide important insights into the reordering and recrystallization phenomena of composite materials.