Thermal degradation kinetics of oxo-degradable PP/PLA blends

In this article, the influence of polylactide and pro-oxidant on the thermal stability, degradation kinetics, and lifetime of polypropylene has been investigated using thermogravimetric analysis under nitrogen atmosphere at four different heating rates (i.e. 5, 10, 15, and 20 degrees C/min). The kinetic parameters of degradation were studied over a temperature range of 30-550 degrees C. The derivative thermogravimetric curves have indicated single stage and two stage degradation processes. The activation energy was evaluated by using the Kissinger, Kim-Park, and Flynn Wall methods under the nitrogen atmosphere. The activation energy value of polypropylene was much higher than that of polylactide. Addition of polylactide and prooxidant in polypropylene decreased the activation energy. The lifetime of polypropylene has also decreased with the addition of polylactide and pro-oxidant.