Effects of SEBS-g-MAH on the properties of injection moulded poly(lacticacid)/nano-calcium carbonate composites

Poly(lactic acid)/nano-precipitated calcium carbonate (PLA/NPCC) composites toughened with maleated styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS-g-MAH) were prepared by melt-compounding on a co-rotating twin-screw extruder followed by injection moulding. The mechanical properties of the PLA nanocomposites were characterized by tensile, flexural and impact tests, while their morphology were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal properties of the composites were examined with differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The elongation at break and impact strength of the PLA/NPCC nanocomposites increased significantly after addition of SEBS-g-MAH. Both nano-dispersed NPCC and small NPCC clusters were found in PLA matrix. Also, some SEBS-g-MAH encapsulated NPCC can be observed. Thermal stability of PLA/NPCC was enhanced prominently by the addition of SEBS-g-MAH.