Crystallization, structure and properties of polylactide/ladder poly(silsesquioxane) blends. (26th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herc, Agata S.; Bojda, Joanna; Nowacka, Maria; Lewiński, Piotr; Maniukiewicz, Waldemar; Piorkowska, Ewa; Kowalewska, Anna
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 201(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06-26
• Subjects: Polylactide -- Blends -- Poly(silsesquioxanes) -- Supramolecular interactions -- Crystallization; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2020.122563
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: Oligomeric ladder silsesquioxanes (LPSQ-R) with side substituents (R = COOH, COOMe, OH) capable of acceptor/donor interactions through hydrogen bonds were used for the preparation of blends with polylactide (PLA). Depending on the strength of their interactions with the PLA, LPSQ-R were differently dispersed in the polyester matrix. The blends exhibited different properties and crystallization behaviour depending on the type and content of LPSQ-R. PLA/LPSQ-COOMe exhibited good transparency. Owing to very good dispersion of the modifier, PLA with 5 wt% of LPSQ-COOMe was ductile, which was reflected in nearly 230% elongation at break, retaining however relatively high yield strength of nearly 40 MPa. Moreover, the spherulite growth rate was accelerated in PLA/LPSQ-COOMe, which caused enhancement of the cold-crystallization. In turn, cold-crystallization of PLA/LPSQ-OH was enhanced by strong nucleation. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Polylactide blends with novel oligomeric ladder silsesquioxanes were studied. Spherulite growth was accelerated in blends of polylactide with LPSQ-COOMe. Cold-crystallization was enhanced in blends of PLA with LPSQ-COOMe and LPSQ-OH. Polylactide with 5 wt% of LPSQ-COOMe exhibited very good drawability.