Plasticizing polylactide - The effect of different plasticizers on the mechanical properties

Poly(lactide) (PLA), a biodegradable aliphatic polyester with excellent property profiles for different polymer applications. will play a major role in future markets for biodegradable polymers from renewable resources. PLA is a very brittle and stiff polymer with a glass transition temperature of around 58 degrees C. The mechanical properties of PLA are comparable to those of polystyrene, with an elasticity modulus of 3500 MPa, a maximum tensile strength of 50 MPa, and an elongation at break of 4%. To introduce PLA into other applications requiring other mechanical property profiles, especially higher flexibility and higher impact resistance, it is necessary to use plasticizers. In this study the influence of several biocompatible plasticizer systems on the mechanical properties of PLA is determined. Poly(ethylene glycol), glucosemonoesters and partial fatty acid esters are introduced at 2.5, 5, and 10 wt% into polylactide. The mechanical properties, such as impact strength and the stress-strain-interrelationship of tensile tests, show changes, which are discussed.