Phase Structure of Compatibilized Poly(Lactic Acid)/Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Blends

Abstract

Blends of PLA and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) were compatibilized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)–grafted poly(ethylene-octene) copolymer (mPOE). Effects of compatilizer on phase structure of compatibilized PLA/LLDPE were studied by spreading coefficient calculation prediction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) analysis. The spreading coefficient calculations, based on experimental and calculated surface tension data, show that mPOE spreads on LLDPE extensively to encapsulate LLDPE completely, which is in good agreement with the results of DSC, SEM, and WAXD analysis. The chemical reaction between the end carboxyl groups or end hydroxyl groups of PLA and epoxy groups of mPOE, which is suggested as the driving force leading to an ideal interfacial adhesion between PLA and the dispersed phase, was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared ray (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis.