Biodegradation of Poly(lactic acid)/ Poly(butylene succinate) Polymer Blends

• KOBAYASHI Satoshi

  Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University

• NAITO Katsuhito

  Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University

Abstract

In the present study, degradation properties of the polymer blends of Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and Poly(butylene succinate) (PBSU) with different mixed fractions were investigated. PLA/PBSU(50/50) exhibited the highest water absorption during hydrolysis tests because water absorption was accelerated due to the existence of interface between PLA and PBSU, crystal and amorphous. Tensile tests were performed on the polymer blends after 0, 8 16 and 24 weeks hydrolysis tests to evaluate the variation in tensile strength and Young's modulus. Tensile strength of PLA/PBSU (100/0, 80/20, 50/50 and 20/80) were sensitive to hydrolytic degradation. The variation in molecular weight and existence of induction time for decreasing strength indicated that massive degradation occurred during hydrolysis tests. Analysis based on the auto-catalysis effect of end carboxyl group can fit the molecular weight variation for pure PLA and PBSU.

Journal

• Journal of Environment and Engineering

  Journal of Environment and Engineering 6 (4), 861-868, 2011

  The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers

Keywords

• Biodegradable Polymer
• Poly(lactic acid)
• Poly(butylene succinate)
• Hydrolysis Tests

Details

• CRID: 1390282680239102720
• NII Article ID: 130001313041
• DOI: 10.1299/jee.6.861
• ISSN: 1880988X
• Web Site: http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jee/6/4/6_4_861/_pdf
• Text Lang: en
• Data Source:
  • JaLC
  • Crossref
  • CiNii Articles
  • KAKEN
• Abstract License Flag: Disallowed