An eco-friendly approach for toughening of polylactic acid from itaconic acid based elastomer

Sustainable and biocompatible novel lactic acid based bioelastomer (LBPE) was synthesized by polycondensation process which has been confirmed by FTIR and H-1 NMR. Owing to the resemblances in the lactate structures of polylactic acid (PLA) and LBPE, the synthesized LBPE bioelastomers can act as an excellent PLA toughener in presence of free radical initiator dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The mechanical, morphological and thermal were investigated. Chemical crosslinks endow the LBPE with relatively high elasticity and environmental stability which ultimately enhances the mechanical properties of PLA matrix.