Enhanced stereocomplex formation of poly(L-lactic acid) and poly(D-lactic acid) in the presence of stereoblock poly(lactic acid).
Stereoblock poly(lactic acid) (sb-PLA) is incorporated into a 1:1 polymer blend system of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA) that has a high molecular weight to study its addition effect on the stereocomplex (sc) formation of PLLA and PDLA. The ternary polymer blend films are first prepared by casting polymer solutions of sb-PLA, PLLA, and PDLA with different compositions. Upon increasing the content of sb-PLA in the blend films the sc crystallization is driven to a higher degree, while the formation of homo-chiral (hc) crystals is decreased. Lowering the molecular weight of the incorporated sb-PLA effectively increases the sc formation. Consequently, it is revealed that sb-PLA can work as a compatibilizer to improve the poor sc formation in the polymer blend of PLLA and PDLA.
Fukushima
Kazuki
K
Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan.
Chang
Yoon-Hee
YH
Kimura
Yoshiharu
Y
D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis*
D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)