Poly(L-lactic acid)/deproteinized natural rubber blends with enhanced compatibility

PLLA-g-LMWNR (LMWNR - low molecular weight natural rubber) was used as a compatibilizer (1-3 wt %) of poly(L-lactic acid)/deproteinized natural rubber (PLLA/DPNR) blend (95/5 w/w). The LMWNR was prepared using TiO2/ZnO (9 : 1 w/w) and H2O2 as co-catalyst. The obtained LMWNR was grafted with 0-12 wt % maleic anhydride (LMWNR-g-MA) and then with PLLA (PLLA-g-LMWNR). A significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the PLLA/DPNR blend was found in the blend that contained 3 wt % PLLA-g-LMWNR. Scanning electron microscopy showed a decrease in the pore diameter from 5.44 to 1.56 mu m. The thermal analysis of PLLA/DPNR blends showed that the T-g value of PLLA phase shifted from 63.1 to 61.4 degrees C. These results confirmed that PLLA-g-LMWNR can enhance the compatibility of the PLLA/DPNR blend.

Automated summary

PLLA-g-LMWNR was used as a compatibilizer for PLLA/DPNR blend, significantly improving the mechanical properties of the blend containing 3 wt % PLLA-g-LMWNR. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a decrease in pore diameter from 5.44 to 1.56 μm, while thermal analysis showed a shift in T-g value of the PLLA phase from 63.1 to 61.4 degrees C. These results confirm the enhanced compatibility of PLLA/DPNR blend with PLLA-g-LMWNR.