Mechanical and Morphological Behavior of Blends Obtained from Biopolymers (PLA/PLC)
In this work, the effect of the PCL content and E-GMA compatibilizer on the mechanical properties and morphology of poly (lactic acid) - PLA/ poly (ε-caprolactone)-PCL blends was investigated. The results of the mechanical properties showed that there was a reduction in the elastic modulus and tensile strength when PCL was added to PLA. The decrease in the modulus was more pronounced when the PCL content was increased from 10 to 20% (wt). The PLA/PCL/E-GMA blend showed the lower modulus and tensile strength. This blend also presented the higher elongation at break and impact strength. The morphology analysis by SEM showed that the PLA/PCL blends where characterized by lack of adhesion between the PLA and PCL phases. The presence of E-GMA in the PLA/PCL/E-GMA blend improved the adhesion between the PLA and PCL phases.Keywords: poly (latic acid); poly (ε-caprolactone); polymer blends; compatibilizer