Study on the morphology and mechanical properties of PLA/PCL blends

For investigating the properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(έ-caprolactone)(PCL) blends in this study PLA/PCL blends were prepared with 7, 15 and 30 % PCL via melt mixing method in the internal mixer (Brabender). The morphology of PLA/PCL blends was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the effect of PCL content on the mechanical properties was studied. The results of SEM showed that the PLA/PCL blends are immiscible and phase-separated and that the size of dispersed phase (PCL) increases with addition PCL content. The mechanical properties as modulus and tensile strength reduce while the elongation at break and toughness increased by adding PCL to PLA matrix and the brittleness PLA improves.

Keywords:

poly(lactic) acid , poly (έ-caprolactone) , blends , mechanical properties , morphology