Grafting of maleic anhydride on poly(L-lactic acid). Effects on physical and mechanical properties

Maleic Anhydride (MAH) was grafted onto poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a radical initiator. The effect of the MAH and DCP concentrations on the grafting and the physical and mechanical properties of PLLA films were investigated. The glass transition temperature and crystallinity significantly decreased with addition of MAH. The thermal decomposition of the PLLA films was affected by the MAH content while the mechanical properties were almost unchanged. A slight increase in molecular weight was found, which could be attributed to either the MAH branching reaction or a possible crosslinking reaction between the PLLA chains increasing the chain entanglements. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.