Rheological, Morphological and Mechanical Studies of Sustainably Sourced Polymer Blends Based on Poly(Lactic Acid) and Polyamide 11

The objective of this study was to gain a deep understanding of composition and compatibilization effects on the properties of entirely sustainably sourced polymer blends based on polylactide (PLA) and polyamide 11 (PA11). Generally, PLA cannot challenge regular commodity polymers due to its weak thermo-mechanical properties and its poor elongation properties. With this work, however, we present a promising route to overcome these drawbacks in order to enhance the processability of PLA: blending the polymer with various compositions of other ductile biopolymers such as PA11, as well as mixing PLA/PA11 blends with various amounts of a chain extender, Joncryl ADR(®)-4368, containing reactive epoxy functions, in a laboratory-scale twin-screw extruder. The effects on the rheological, morphological and mechanical properties were investigated. Results showed that a “self compatibilization” between PLA and PA11 chains can occur but it was found to be insufficient, contrary to recent work reported in the literature. The role of Joncryl as a compatibilizer for the PLA/PA11 system has been demonstrated by the significant decrease of particle size and interfacial tension as well as the improvement of ductile properties. Moreover, a new relaxation peak appeared in the relaxation spectrum, indicating the generation of a copolymer at the polymer-polymer interface.