1
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Behera K, Tsai CH, Liao XB, Chiu FC. Fabrication and Characterization of PLA/PBAT Blends, Blend-Based Nanocomposites, and Their Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Induced Foams. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1971. [PMID: 39065288 PMCID: PMC11281301 DOI: 10.3390/polym16141971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, a twin-screw extruder was used to fabricate poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends and blend-based nanocomposites with carbon nanotube (CNT) or nanocarbon black (CB) as nanofillers. The fabricated samples were subsequently treated with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) to fabricate the corresponding foams. Bi-phasic morphology and selective distribution of CNTs or CBs in the PBAT phase were observed in the blends/composites through scanning electron microscopy. After the scCO2 treatment, the selective foaming of the PBAT phase in the prepared blends/composites was confirmed. The cellular structure of PBAT phase in scCO2-treated blends is similar to the size/shape of PBAT domains in untreated blends or treated neat PBAT foam. The addition of CNTs or CBs in the blends led to a slight reduction in cell size of the foamed PBAT phase, demonstrating CNT/CB-induced cell nucleation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that CNTs and CBs played as nucleating agents and increased the initial crystallization temperature up to 14 °C compared with neat PBAT for PBAT in different composites during cooling. The scCO2 treatment induced the bimodal stability of PBAT crystals in different samples, which melted mainly in two temperature regions in DSC studies. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed that compared with parent blends, the addition of CNTs or CBs increased the temperature at 80 wt.% loss (degradation of PBAT portion) up to 6 °C. The electrical resistivity decreased by more than six orders of magnitude for certain CNT- or CB-added composites compared with the parent blends. The hardness of the blends slightly increased after forming the corresponding composites and then declined after the scCO2 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik Behera
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.B.); (C.-H.T.); (X.-B.L.)
| | - Chien-Hsing Tsai
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.B.); (C.-H.T.); (X.-B.L.)
| | - Xiang-Bo Liao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.B.); (C.-H.T.); (X.-B.L.)
| | - Fang-Chyou Chiu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.B.); (C.-H.T.); (X.-B.L.)
- Department of General Dentistry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City 243, Taiwan
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2
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Gao P, Masato D. The Effects of Nucleating Agents and Processing on the Crystallization and Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:776. [PMID: 38930746 PMCID: PMC11206032 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biobased, biodegradable, non-toxic polymer widely considered for replacing traditional petroleum-based polymer materials. Being a semi-crystalline material, PLA has great potential in many fields, such as medical implants, drug delivery systems, etc. However, the slow crystallization rate of PLA limited the application and efficient fabrication of highly crystallized PLA products. This review paper investigated and summarized the influence of formulation, compounding, and processing on PLA's crystallization behaviors and mechanical performances. The paper reviewed the literature from different studies regarding the impact of these factors on critical crystallization parameters, such as the degree of crystallinity, crystallization rate, crystalline morphology, and mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, modulus, elongation, and impact resistance. Understanding the impact of the factors on crystallization and mechanical properties is critical for PLA processing technology innovations to meet the requirements of various applications of PLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- Department of Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 18015, USA
- Polymer Materials Engineering, Department of Engineering and Design, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
| | - Davide Masato
- Department of Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 18015, USA
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3
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Gonçalves LFFF, Reis RL, Fernandes EM. Forefront Research of Foaming Strategies on Biodegradable Polymers and Their Composites by Thermal or Melt-Based Processing Technologies: Advances and Perspectives. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1286. [PMID: 38732755 PMCID: PMC11085284 DOI: 10.3390/polym16091286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The last few decades have witnessed significant advances in the development of polymeric-based foam materials. These materials find several practical applications in our daily lives due to their characteristic properties such as low density, thermal insulation, and porosity, which are important in packaging, in building construction, and in biomedical applications, respectively. The first foams with practical applications used polymeric materials of petrochemical origin. However, due to growing environmental concerns, considerable efforts have been made to replace some of these materials with biodegradable polymers. Foam processing has evolved greatly in recent years due to improvements in existing techniques, such as the use of supercritical fluids in extrusion foaming and foam injection moulding, as well as the advent or adaptation of existing techniques to produce foams, as in the case of the combination between additive manufacturing and foam technology. The use of supercritical CO2 is especially advantageous in the production of porous structures for biomedical applications, as CO2 is chemically inert and non-toxic; in addition, it allows for an easy tailoring of the pore structure through processing conditions. Biodegradable polymeric materials, despite their enormous advantages over petroleum-based materials, present some difficulties regarding their potential use in foaming, such as poor melt strength, slow crystallization rate, poor processability, low service temperature, low toughness, and high brittleness, which limits their field of application. Several strategies were developed to improve the melt strength, including the change in monomer composition and the use of chemical modifiers and chain extenders to extend the chain length or create a branched molecular structure, to increase the molecular weight and the viscosity of the polymer. The use of additives or fillers is also commonly used, as fillers can improve crystallization kinetics by acting as crystal-nucleating agents. Alternatively, biodegradable polymers can be blended with other biodegradable polymers to combine certain properties and to counteract certain limitations. This work therefore aims to provide the latest advances regarding the foaming of biodegradable polymers. It covers the main foaming techniques and their advances and reviews the uses of biodegradable polymers in foaming, focusing on the chemical changes of polymers that improve their foaming ability. Finally, the challenges as well as the main opportunities presented reinforce the market potential of the biodegradable polymer foam materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F. F. F. Gonçalves
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs–Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs–Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Emanuel M. Fernandes
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs–Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
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4
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Rivera P, Torres A, Romero J, Alarcón Á, Martínez S, Arrieta MP, Rodríguez-Mercado F, Galotto MJ. Effect of Operational Variables on Supercritical Foaming of Caffeic Acid-Loaded Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Blends for the Development of Sustainable Materials. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:948. [PMID: 38611209 PMCID: PMC11013249 DOI: 10.3390/polym16070948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Expanded polystyrene will account for 5.3% of total global plastic production in 2021 and is widely used for food packaging due to its excellent moisture resistance and thermal insulation. However, some of these packages are often used only once before being discarded, generating large amounts of environmentally harmful plastic waste. A very attractive alternative to the conventional methods used for polymer processing is the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) since it has mass-transfer properties adapted to the foam morphology, generating different path lengths for the diffusion of active compounds within its structure and can dissolve a wide range of organic molecules under supercritical conditions. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of operational variables on the process of caffeic acid (CA) impregnation and subsequent foaming of polylactic acid (PLA) as well as two PLA/poly(butylene-co-terephthalate-adipate) (PBAT) blends using scCO2. The results showed an increase in the degree of crystallinity of the CA-impregnated samples due to the nucleation effect of the active compound. On the other hand, SEM micrographs of both films and foams showed significant differences due to the presence of PBAT and its low miscibility with PLA. Finally, the results obtained in this work contribute to the knowledge of the important parameters to consider for the implementation of the impregnation and foaming process of PLA and PLA/PBAT blends with potential use in food packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rivera
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN), Technology Faculty, Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology CEDENNA, University of Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile; (P.R.); (Á.A.); (S.M.); (F.R.-M.); (M.J.G.)
- Laboratory of Membrane Separation Processes (LabProSeM), Department of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170201, Chile;
| | - Alejandra Torres
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN), Technology Faculty, Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology CEDENNA, University of Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile; (P.R.); (Á.A.); (S.M.); (F.R.-M.); (M.J.G.)
| | - Julio Romero
- Laboratory of Membrane Separation Processes (LabProSeM), Department of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170201, Chile;
| | - Álvaro Alarcón
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN), Technology Faculty, Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology CEDENNA, University of Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile; (P.R.); (Á.A.); (S.M.); (F.R.-M.); (M.J.G.)
- Laboratory of Membrane Separation Processes (LabProSeM), Department of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170201, Chile;
| | - Sara Martínez
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN), Technology Faculty, Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology CEDENNA, University of Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile; (P.R.); (Á.A.); (S.M.); (F.R.-M.); (M.J.G.)
| | - Marina P. Arrieta
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química Industrial y del Medio Ambiente, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (ETSII-UPM), Calle José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación, Polímeros, Caracterización y Aplicaciones (POLCA), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodríguez-Mercado
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN), Technology Faculty, Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology CEDENNA, University of Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile; (P.R.); (Á.A.); (S.M.); (F.R.-M.); (M.J.G.)
| | - María José Galotto
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN), Technology Faculty, Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology CEDENNA, University of Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile; (P.R.); (Á.A.); (S.M.); (F.R.-M.); (M.J.G.)
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5
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Rahmanifard M, Khademi SMH, Asheghi-Oskooee R, Farizeh T, Hemmati F. Reactive processing-microstructure-mechanical performance correlations in biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/expanded graphite nanocomposites. RSC Adv 2024; 14:794-807. [PMID: 38174233 PMCID: PMC10759167 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06622c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive extrusion is a promising method to prepare biodegradable nanocomposites with enhanced modulus, strength and toughness. In this study, biodegradable extended nanocomposites based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/expanded graphite (EG) were prepared by melt-compounding using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Effects of EG loading, aspect ratio, delamination and dispersion state on the mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of PLA/EG nanocomposites were investigated. Adding the largest EG (EGL) nanoplatelets, having the average particle size of 48.2 μm and aspect ratio of 19.5, to the PLA matrix enhanced the Young modulus, tensile strength, ultimate strain and tensile toughness of the extended PLA sample with benzoyl peroxide (BP) between 40-100%. The observed enhancements originated from restricted PLA molecular motions, assisted PLA crystallization and intensified BP activity in extending the PLA chains. In contrast, EG nanofiller (EGS), with the lowest aspect ratio and size, lowered the PLA relaxation time and accelerated the PLA crystallization. This type of EG showed the weakest reinforcing effect on PLA. For the EG type (EGM) with an intermediate size and aspect ratio, it was observed that the presence of the nanoparticles had a negligible effect on the PLA molecular dynamic and reduced the PLA crystallization rate. The highest impact strength was observed for the PLA/EGM nanocomposite at 1 phr loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Rahmanifard
- Caspian Faculty of Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran P.O. Box 43841-119 Guilan Iran
| | | | - Reza Asheghi-Oskooee
- Caspian Faculty of Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran P.O. Box 43841-119 Guilan Iran
| | - Tara Farizeh
- Caspian Faculty of Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran P.O. Box 43841-119 Guilan Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Hemmati
- Caspian Faculty of Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran P.O. Box 43841-119 Guilan Iran
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6
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Yan L, Lu G, Abdalkarim SYH, Wang L, Chen Z, Lu W, Yu HY. Multiple noncovalent interactions tailored crystallization and performance reinforcement mechanisms of Biopolyester Composites with functional Cellulose Nanocrystals. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 255:128264. [PMID: 37984582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The slow crystallization and weak mechanical features of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) have become a severe industrial problem in food packaging. Inspired by principle of bionic structure, functional cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) modified with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) can enhance the crystallization ability and mechanical properties of PBAT nanocomposites. Significantly, CNC-T (CNC modified by TDI) showed a stronger reinforced effect on PBAT properties than unmodified CNCs and CNC-H (CNC modified by HMDI) nanofillers due to hydrogen bonds, π-π interaction between PBAT matrix and CNC-T nanofillers with benzene ring structure. Thus, compared with pure PBAT, PBAT/5CNC-T composites displayed an enhancement of 34.5 % on the tensile strength and exhibited the most robust nucleation ability on PBAT crystallization than CNC and CNC-H. Meanwhile, the possible nucleation, crystallization, and performance reinforcement mechanisms of PBAT nanocomposites have been presented, which is very beneficial for designing robust PBAT nanocomposites with functional cellulose nanocrystals for potential green packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yan
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Textile and Flexible Interconnection of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Gaojun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Textile and Flexible Interconnection of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Somia Yassin Hussain Abdalkarim
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Textile and Flexible Interconnection of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Lunhe Wang
- Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Co., Ltd., Taizhou Bay New Area 188, Taizhou 318099, China
| | - Zhiming Chen
- Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Co., Ltd., Taizhou Bay New Area 188, Taizhou 318099, China
| | - Weidong Lu
- Hangzhou Xin Guang Plastics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Hou-Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Textile and Flexible Interconnection of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
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7
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Wu M, Ren Q, Zhu X, Li W, Luo H, Wu F, Wang L, Zheng W, Cui P, Yi X. Super toughened blends of poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) injection-molded foams via enhancing interfacial compatibility and cellular structure. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125490. [PMID: 37348589 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) foams have drawn increasing attention due to environmental challenges and petroleum crisis. However, it still remains a challenge to prepare PLA foams with fine cellular structures and high impact property, which significantly hinders its widespread application. Herein, phase interface-enhanced PLA/ poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blend foam, modified by a reactive compatibilizer through a simple reactive extrusion, was produced via a core-back foam injection molding technique. The obtained PLA blend foams displayed an impact strength as high as 49.1 kJ/m2, which was 9.3 and 6.4 times that of the unmodified PLA/PBAT blend and its corresponding foam, respectively. It proved that the interfacial adhesion and cell size both strongly affected the impact strength of injection-molded PLA/PBAT foams, and two major conclusions were proposed. First, enhancing interfacial adhesion could cause a brittle-tough transition of PLA/PBAT foams. Additionally, for foams with high interfacial adhesion, small cell size (<12 μm) was more favorable for the stretching of cells and extension of the whitened region in comparison with big cell size (cell size >60 μm), leading to the drastic toughening of PLA blends. This study provides a feasible, industrially scalable and practical strategy to prepare super toughened and fully biodegradable PLA materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Wu
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo 315000, PR China
| | - Qian Ren
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Xiuyu Zhu
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China
| | - Wanwan Li
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China
| | - Haibin Luo
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China
| | - Fei Wu
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China
| | - Long Wang
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
| | - Wenge Zheng
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Ping Cui
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo 315000, PR China
| | - Xiaosu Yi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo 315000, PR China
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Zhao X, Yu J, Liang X, Huang Z, Li J, Peng S. Crystallization behaviors regulations and mechanical performances enhancement approaches of polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable materials modified by organic nucleating agents. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 233:123581. [PMID: 36758767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) has attracted much attention because of its good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical properties. However, the slow crystallization rate of PLA during molding leads to its poor heat resistance, which limit its diffusion for many industrial applications. In this review, the relationship between PLA crystallization and its molecular structure and processing conditions is summarized. From the perspective of the regulation of PLA crystallization by organic nucleating agents, the research progress of organic micromolecule (e.g., esters, amides, and hydrazides), organic salt, supramolecular, and macromolecule nucleating agents on the crystallization behavior of PLA is mainly introduced. The nucleation mechanism of PLA is expounded by organic nucleating agents, and the effect of the interaction force between organic nucleating agents and PLA molecular chains on the crystallization behavior of PLA is analyzed. The effects of the crystallization behavior of PLA on its mechanical properties and heat resistance are discussed. It will provide a theoretical reference for the development and application of high-efficiency nucleating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xipo Zhao
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Hubei Longzhong Laboratory, Xiangyang 441000, China.
| | - Jiajie Yu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Xinyu Liang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Zepeng Huang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Juncheng Li
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Shaoxian Peng
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Hubei Longzhong Laboratory, Xiangyang 441000, China
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9
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Liu H, Hu J, Zhang Y, Zhao J, Wang X, Song J. A dual role of D-Sorbitol in crystallizing and processing poly (lactic acid). JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-023-03480-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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10
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Liu W, Wu X, Chen X, Liu S, Zhang C. Flexibly Controlling the Polycrystallinity and Improving the Foaming Behavior of Polylactic Acid via Three Strategies. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:6248-6260. [PMID: 35224387 PMCID: PMC8867551 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Controlling foamability plays the central role in preparing PLA foams with high performances. To achieve this, chain extension was often used to improve the rheological property of PLA resins; however, despite the availability of this approach, it often deteriorates the biodegradability of PLA and greatly increases the processing cost and complexity. Hence, we reported a special crystallization induction method to design PLA foams with a tunable cellular structure and a high expansion ratio. A novel crystallization-promoting agent combination (D-sorbitol, CO2, and phenylphosphonic acid zinc salt) was used to induce PLA to enhance the chain interaction force and chain mobility and to provide crystallization templets. A series of PLAs with tunable stereocomplex (Sc)/α crystallinity and rapid non-isothermal crystallization ability were obtained. The effect of various crystallization properties on the foaming behavior of PLA was studied. The results demonstrated that proper crystallization conditions (a small spherulite size, a crystallinity of 6%, and rapid crystallization ability) could virtually contribute to the optimized cellular structure with the highest cell density of 4.36 × 106 cell/cm3. When the Sc crystallinity was above 10%, PLA had a superior foamability, which thereby resulted in a high foaming expansion ratio of 16.2. A variety of cellular morphologies of PLA foams could be obtained by changing the foaming temperature and the crystallization property. The proposed crystallization-induced approach provided a useful method for controlling the cellular structure and the performances of the PLA foams.
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11
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Biodegradable Foaming Material of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC). CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10118-021-2644-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Cai W, Liu P, Bai S, Li S. A one‐step method to manufacture biodegradable poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) bead foam parts. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.5219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Cai
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Pengju Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Shibing Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Sai Li
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University Chengdu China
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Khademi SMH, Hemmati F, Aroon MA. An insight into different phenomena involved in continuous extrusion foaming of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/expanded graphite nanocomposites. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 157:470-483. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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14
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Liu W, Zhu X, Gao H, Su X, Wu X. Preparation and characterization of PLA foam chain extended through grafting octa(epoxycyclohexyl) POSS onto carbon nanotubes. CELLULAR POLYMERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/0262489320912521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Improving foamability of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) resin is a key issue for its critical foaming applications with high-performance and ultralow density. However, owing to the rheological nature of linear PLA chain structure with relatively low molecular weight, the overall foamability of PLA resin cannot meet the processing requirements of foaming purpose. Here, we describe a simple and versatile technique to prepare high foamability PLA resin by inducing chain extender through grafting octa(epoxycyclohexyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) on carbon nanotubes (CNT). After the orderly assemble of the two nanoparticles, an obvious increase in melt elasticity of PLA is observed. The enhanced melt elasticity of PLA had a significant effect on controlling subsequent foaming behavior. Thus, a homogeneous and finer cellular morphology of PLA rigid foam was obtained with a proper content of CNT-POSS. Eventually, the expansion ratio of chain-extended PLA foam was 13 times higher than that of unmodified PLA foam. The proposed design methodology will potentially pave a way for designing and preparing high-performance PLA rigid foam products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- School of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xunxian Zhu
- School of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongxiang Gao
- School of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangdong Su
- Key Laboratory of Light Metal Materials Processing Technology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xian Wu
- School of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Li S, Chen T, Liao X, Han W, Yan Z, Li J, Li G. Effect of Macromolecular Chain Movement and the Interchain Interaction on Crystalline Nucleation and Spherulite Growth of Polylactic Acid under High-Pressure CO2. Macromolecules 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b01601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Taoyi Chen
- Jiaxiang Foreign Language School, Attached to Chengdu No. 7 Middle School, Chengdu, Sichuan 610023, China
| | - Xia Liao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Technique and Equipment for Macromolecular Advanced Manufacturing, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Weiqiang Han
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Zhihui Yan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Junsong Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Guangxian Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
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16
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Liu W, He S, Yang Y. Effect of stereocomplex crystal on foaming behavior and sintering of poly(lactic acid) bead foams. POLYM INT 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pi.5742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- School of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering; Guizhou Institute of Technology; Guiyang City PR China
- Key Laboratory of Light Metal Materials Processing Technology of Guizhou Province; Guizhou Institute of Technology; Guiyang City PR China
| | - Shicheng He
- School of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering; Guizhou Institute of Technology; Guiyang City PR China
| | - Yujie Yang
- School of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering; Guizhou Institute of Technology; Guiyang City PR China
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17
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Wei L, Shicheng H, Hongfu Z. Preparation and properties of flexible poly(lactic acid) blend foams. CELLULAR POLYMERS 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/0262489318797514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High-performance poly(lactic acid) (PLA) foam has been recognized as a promising material because of its biodegradability. However, low flexibility and foamability of PLAs has limited its use in different fields. In this study, a blend-toughening technology was used to toughen PLA and prepare flexible foams. The mechanical properties of PLA blends were evaluated, and the cellular structure of these foaming blends was characterized. The results show that the blending components significantly affected the overall mechanical properties and foaming behavior of PLA. The toughness of PLA was enhanced by adding poly(butylene adipate- co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and rigid particles. The rheological behavior of PLA was also affected by adding PBAT. Therefore, the cellular structure of the PLA foams was affected. A constitutive model was also used to fit the experimental results of the compression property of the PLA foam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Wei
- School of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - He Shicheng
- School of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhou Hongfu
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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