Effect of nucleating agents on the crystallization behavior and heat resistance of poly(L-lactide)

Poly (L-lactide) (PLLA) blends with various nucleators were prepared by melt processing. The effect of different nucleators on the crystallization behavior and heat resistance as well as thermomechanical properties of PLLA was studied systematically by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, heat deflection temperature tester, and dynamic mechanical analysis. It was found that poly(D-lactide), talcum powder (Talc), a multiamide compound (TMC-328, abbreviated as TMC) can significantly improve the crystallization rate and crystallinity of PLLA, thus improving thermal-resistant property. The heat deflection temperature of nucleated PLLA can be as high as 150 degrees C. The storage modulus of nucleated PLLA is higher than that of PLLA at the temperature above T-g of PLLA. Compared with other nucleating agents, TMC was much more efficient at enhancing the crystallization of PLLA and the PLLA containing TMC showed the best heat resistance. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42999.