Investigation of Processability of Chain-Extended Polylactides During Melt Processing - Compounding Conditions and Polymer Molecular Structure

The presented research study deals with the processability of two different polylactides (PLAs). The main focus is on the melt behavior during compounding on a twin-screw extruder and laboratory kneader, and the resulting change in the polymeric structure. In addition, a comparative analysis of the thermal stability further contributes to the frame of the investigation. Finally, the processability of reactive extended PLA will be discussed. This new approach focuses on understanding the molecular architecture of the biopolymer, and, furthermore, customizing the innovative modification of the structure using multifunctional additives. The basic principle is hereby the utilization of reactive processing via specific chain extenders, which allows defined formations on the molecular level. As a result, a significant improvement of the polymer melt behavior – specifically the melt flow and thermo-mechanical stability – can be achieved.