Effect of simulated mechanical recycling processes on the structure and properties of poly(lactic acid)

The aim of this work is to study the effects of different simulated mechanical recycling processes on the structure and properties of PLA. A commercial grade of PLA was melt compounded and compression molded, then subjected to two different recycling processes. The first recycling process consisted...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Beltrán González, Freddys, Lorenzo Esteban, Vicente, Acosta, Juan, Orden Hernández, María Ulagares De La, Martínez Urreaga, Joaquín
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2017
País:España
Institución:Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)
Repositorio:Docta Complutense
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:docta.ucm.es:20.500.14352/18081
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/18081
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:547.472.3
628.477
547-32
Poly(lactic acid)
Mechanical recycling
Structure
Optical properties
Mechanical properties
Gas barrier properties
Física de materiales
Química orgánica (Química)
Residuos
2306 Química Orgánica
Descripción
Sumario:The aim of this work is to study the effects of different simulated mechanical recycling processes on the structure and properties of PLA. A commercial grade of PLA was melt compounded and compression molded, then subjected to two different recycling processes. The first recycling process consisted of an accelerated ageing and a second melt processing step, while the other recycling process included an accelerated ageing, a demanding washing process and a second melt processing step. The intrinsic viscosity measurements indicate that both recycling processes produce a degradation in PLA, which is more pronounced in the sample subjected to the washing process. DSC results suggest an increase in the mobility of the polymer chains in the recycled materials; however the degree of crystallinity of PLA seems unchanged. The optical, mechanical and gas barrier properties of PLA do not seem to be largely affected by the degradation suffered during the different recycling processes. These results suggest that, despite the degradation of PLA, the impact of the different simulated mechanical recycling processes on the final properties is limited. Thus, the potential use of recycled PLA in packaging applications is not jeopardized.