Compatibilization of polymeric blends of poly(lactic acid) PLA

The bachelor thesis deals with reactive compatibilization of polymer blend of poly(lactic acid) and polyamide 6 of weight ratios 20/80. The method of reactive compatibilization of poly(lactic acid) and polyamide 6 in laboratory kneader at 230 °C and 60 rpm was chosen based on knowledge introduced in the literature review. These blends were reactively compatibilized by poly(lactic acid) grafted with itaconic anhydride, multifunctional epoxide Joncryl, poly(itaconic anhydride) and organic peroxide 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-bis(tert-butylperoxy)hexane (Luperox 101) at different concentrations for 4 minutes. The effects of reactive compatibilizers and its concentration on morphological, thermal and rheological properties of blends were investigated. Reactive compatibilizer Joncryl improved interfacial adhesion, reduced particle size of dispersed phase, improved thermal stability of blends when compared to uncompatibilized blend. The results show that Joncryl is an effective reactive compatibilizer for blend of poly(lactic acid) and polyamide 6. Poly(lactic acid) grafted with itaconic anhydride did not show desired effect due to the low concentration of anhydride groups. After the addition of poly(itaconic anhydride) and Luperox 101 into the poly(lactic acid)/polyamide 6 blends, side reactions occurred, which was proved by rheological and morphological properties of these blends