Cover Image, Volume 132, Issue 48. Issue 48 (23rd September 2015) - Pantani, Prof. Roberto
Abstract Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a biodegradable polymer, is not suitable for some polymer processing operations, such as film blowing and blow molding, due to its low melt strength. Amin Mirzadeh, Hesam Ghasemi, Fatma Mahrous, and Musa R. Kamal improve the processability and mechanical properties of PLA by blending with poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate)] (PBSA). The presence of intercalated tactoids at the phase interface is a key factor in controlling the local concentration of chain extender in the PLA phase during reactive extrusion. The cover illustrates interfacial interactions which cause the clay to migrate to the PLA/PBSA interface. (DOI: 10.1002/app.42664)