The Effect of Stereocomplex Polylactide Particles on the Stereocomplexation of High Molecular Weight Polylactide Blends

Abstract

Stereocomplexation is one of several approaches for improving polylactide (PLA) properties. The high molecular weight of poly L-lactide (PLLA) and poly D-lactide (PDLA) homopolymers are a constraint during the formation of stereocomplex PLAs (s-PLAs). The presence of s-PLA particles in PLA PLLA/PDLA blends can initiate the formation of s-PLA crystalline structures. We used the solution casting method to study the utilization of s-PLA materials from high molecular weight PLLA/PDLA blends for increasing s-PLA formation. The s-PLA particles initiated the formation of high molecular weight PLLA/PDLA blends, obtaining 49.13% s-PLA and 44.34% of the total crystalline fraction. In addition, the mechanical properties were enhanced through s-PLA crystalline formation and the increasing of total crystallinity of the PLLA/PDLA blends. The s-PLA particles supported initiation for s-PLA formation and acted as a nucleating agent for PLA homopolymers. These unique characteristics of s-PLA particles show potential to overcome the molecular weight limitation for stereocomplexation of PLLA/PDLA blends.