The influence of POSS type on the properties of PLA

In this study, the effects of reactive and non-reactive poly(hedral oligomeric silsesquoxane) (POSS) type and their loading level on the mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of PLA composites were investigated for the first time in the literature. A decrease in the melt viscosity of PLA was obtained from the vertical force measurements in the presence of POSS particles except for high O-POSS loading level. This played an important role for power consumption during micro-compounding process. The mechanical test results showed that, the elastic-modulus and yield strength of the PLA/POSS composites were lower than pure PLA in most cases. Moreover, a significant improvement in Izod impact strength of PLA composites was achieved by incorporation of POSS particles into PLA regardless of POSS type. Morphological analysis showed that POSS particles dispersed homogeneously in polymer matrix for all compositions. The glass transition temperature of PLA decreased with the addition of POSS particles. POSS particles also enhanced the decomposition temperature of PLA. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1497-1506, 2016. (c) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers