Blends of PLA with thermoplastics

Diploma thesis deals with preparation of polymer blend of polymer A and polymer B. Knowledge of polymer blends forming, thermodynamics and function of compatibilizer is contained in the theoretical part. Polymer blend A/B of weight ratios 75/25, 50/50 and 25/75 wt% were prepared by physical compatibilization. Concentration of compatibilizer was 5 wt%, in the case of A/B 50/50 wt% concentration of compatibilizer was 10 and 30 wt%, respectively. Blending was achieved with twin-screw extruder at 230 °C and 100 rpm. Second method used for A/B blending was based on reactive compatibilization which was achieved with Brabender kneader at 230 °C, 50 rpm and reaction time 10 minutes. Concentration ratios of A/B were 75/25, 50/50 and 25/75 wt%. Itaconic acid anhydride and maleic anhydride 0.5 and 5 wt% were used as monomer. 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-bis(tert-buthylperoxy)hexan was (Luperox 101) used as an initiator. Difference between compatibilized and noncompatibilized blends was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry, melt flow index measuring, acid-base titration and FT-IR spectroscopy