Melt Blending of Poly( lactic acid) with Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber: the Role of ACN Content

Blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and acrylonitrile- butadiene rubber (NBR) were prepared in an effort to toughen PLA. Melt blending was performed using an internal mixer followed by injection molding. To determine the effect of polarity of rubbers on the miscibility of blends, three NBR rubbers with different ACN content (19, 33 and 51%) were applied for toughening of PLA. Polylactide constituted a topologically continuous matrix in which the rubber particles were dispersed. The rubber particle size and impact resistance were measured to determine the extent of compatibilization. Morphological analysis and mechanical properties exhibited that NBR with lower ACN content (lower polarity) was more effective to toughen PLA. All blends showed a high plastic deformation before breaking as well as good melt processing characteristic

Keywords:

Poly (lactic acid) , Acrylonitrile- butadiene rubber , Toughening , Mechanical properties , Morphology