Poly(Lactic Acid)/Polycaprolactone Blends Compatibilized with Block Copolymer

Abstract

This research focused on using a block copolymer of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(propylene glycol) as a new type of compatibilizer in poly(lactic acid)/polycaprolactone (PLA/PCL) blends. The blends were prepared at 80/20 by a melt blending method, and concentrations of the block copolymer were varied from 0-10 phr. The resultant products were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical, and thermal properties. It was found that the compatibilized blends exhibited a significant enhancement in tensile strain at break compared to that of the neat PLA/PCL blend, in which the highest strain was obtained at 7.5 phr of block copolymer. Tensile stress of the blends was however declined slightly.