Miscibility, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Melt-Mixed Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Trimethylene Terephthalate) Blends

This study examined the miscibility, thermal and mechanical properties of melt-mixed blends of PLA (poly(lactic acid)) with PTT (poly(trimethylene terephthalate)). DSC and SEM results indicated that the PLA/PTT blends are immiscible. As revealed from TGA analyses, the thermal stability of the blends raises as the PTT content increases. The isothermal crystallization kinetics of the blends is analyzed using the Avrami equation in a temperature range of 190 degrees C to 200 degrees C. The WAXD results show that the PLA characteristic peaks take favorably shape in the cold-crystallization, and PTT form more quickly in the melt-crystallization. Nevertheless, the PTT rich blends possess lower tensile strength at yield and higher breaking elongation.