In situ nanofibrillar reinforced biodegradable composites based on thermoplastic poly (vinyl alcohol)/poly (lactic acid)

Abstract

In situ nanofibrillar reinforced blends with thermoplastic poly (vinyl alcohol) (TPVA) as matrix and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) as dispersed fibrils were successfully prepared by a simple extrusion-stretching process. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the melt-processed TPVA/PLA composites were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectra, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and tensile tests. The results indicated that there are hydrogen bonding between TPVA and PLA which enhance PLA dispersion as well as the interfacial adhesion with TPVA matrix. PLA content was varied from 10 to 30 wt. % resulting in reinforced TPVA matrices with fibrils of 78~150 nm. Compared with TPVA, TPVA/PLA composites exhibit remarkable improvement in mechanical properties and thermal stability.