Promoting crystallization of polylactide by the formation of crosslinking bundles

In this study, the influence of crosslinking structures on the crystallization of polylactide (PLA) samples was investigated. Chemical-induced crosslinking method was adopted and crosslinking structures were successfully achieved in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC). Originally it was commonly suggested that crosslinking would block the motion of chains, thus hindering the crystallization process. However, our results indicate that low or moderate crosslinking bundles (not complete polymer network) can promote the crystallization of PLA samples to some extent. With further increasing crosslinking degree (from 12.1% to 41.2%), although the onset crystallization temperature can be increased as well, the perfection of crystal lamellas is inferior. Based on the experimental results, a schematic model is proposed. (C) 2013 Elsevier By. All rights reserved.