Phase Structure and Properties of Ternary Polylactide/Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)/Polysilsesquioxane Blends

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Phase Structure and Properties of Ternary Polylactide/Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)/Polysilsesquioxane Blends polymers Article Phase Structure and Properties of Ternary Polylactide/ Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Polysilsesquioxane Blends Anna Kowalewska 1,* , Agata S. Herc 1 , Joanna Bojda 1, Maria Nowacka 1 , Mariia Svyntkivska 1, Ewa Piorkowska 1, Witold Kaczorowski 2 and Witold Szyma ´nski 2 1 Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; [email protected] (A.S.H.); [email protected] (J.B.); [email protected] (M.N.); [email protected] (M.S.); [email protected] (E.P.) 2 Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 1/15, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; [email protected] (W.K.); [email protected] (W.S.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Ternary blends of polylactide (PLA, 90 wt.%) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, 10 wt.%) with functionalized polysilsesquioxanes (LPSQ-R) were obtained by solution blending. R groups in LPSQ containing hydroxyethyl (LPSQ-OH), methylglycolic (LPSQ-COOMe) and pentaflu- orophenyl (LPSQ-F5) moieties of different chemical properties were designed to modify PLA blends with PMMA. The effect of the type of LPSQ-R and their content, 1–3 wt.%, on the structure of the blends was studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and Raman spectroscopy. Citation: Kowalewska, A.; Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and tensile tests also showed various effects of LPSQ-R on Herc, A.S.; Bojda, J.; Nowacka, M.; the thermal and mechanical properties of the blends. Depth-sensing indentation was used to resolve Svyntkivska, M.; Piorkowska, E.; Kaczorowski, W.; Szyma´nski,W. spatially the micro- and nano-scale mechanical properties (hardness and elastic behaviour) of the Phase Structure and Properties of blends. The results showed clearly that LPSQ-R modulate the structure and properties of the blends. Ternary Polylactide/Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Polysilsesquioxane Keywords: PLA/PMMA blends; ternary polymer blends; polysilsesquioxanes Blends. Polymers 2021, 13, 1033. https://doi.org/10.3390/ polym13071033 1. Introduction Academic Editor: Aziz Biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) exhibits high strength and stiffness. Brittleness, Mansurovich Muzafarov low toughness, low melt strength, slow crystallization rate and low heat deflection tem- perature largely limit its wide use [1–3]. PLA may be toughened using various methods Received: 28 February 2021 (plasticization, copolymerization, filling and melt blending with other polymers) and the Accepted: 19 March 2021 relationships between PLA-based polymer blends composition, their morphology, mechan- Published: 26 March 2021 ical properties and toughening mechanisms behind the observed phenomena have been thoroughly studied [4–7]. The interfacial compatibility on a nanoscale level and the phase Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral behaviour have a decisive influence on polymer blends. Miscibility may be favoured when with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affil- some special interactions, stronger than van der Waals forces (ionic interactions, dipole- iations. dipole, donor-acceptor and weak hydrogen bonding) exist between the blended materials. The intrinsic properties of the components, as well as the characteristic morphology of the blend determine the improvement of the final properties, e.g., mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. Interesting results were obtained on formation of miscible/immiscible binary blends Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. containing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). PMMA is known for intrinsic high mechan- Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. ical properties, UV resistance and long-term durability. Full miscibility of PLA and PMMA This article is an open access article was achieved through solution precipitation [8,9] and melt blending [10] whereas solution distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons casting resulted in two separate phases (co-continuous or separated inclusions) [8,10,11]. Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// The immiscibility–miscibility transition behaviour of PLA/PMMA blends changes with creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ composition [12,13] and temperature [14]. Rheological, thermomechanical, and mechanical 4.0/). properties of PLA/PMMA miscible blends with different compositions were extensively Polymers 2021, 13, 1033. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071033 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers Polymers 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 19 changes with composition [12,13] and temperature [14]. Rheological, thermomechanical, and mechanical properties of PLA/PMMA miscible blends with different compositions were extensively examined. The role of entanglement network in rheological and thermo- mechanical properties was explained [15–20]. The small size of the dispersed inclusions Polymers 2021, 13, 1033 as well as the strong interfacial interactions in PLA/PMMA blends is responsible2 of 19 for in- creased tensile strength. PMMA was also shown to provide increased hydrolytic and structural stability to the PLA/PMMA blends [21–23]. However, the improvement of im- examined.pact toughness The role in of binary entanglement blends network requires in addi rheologicaltion of and quite thermomechanical large amount prop-(>20 wt.%) of ertiesPMMA, was which explained has [15an– 20adverse]. The smalleffect sizeon the of the compostability dispersed inclusions of PLA. as In well addition, as the the im- strongprovement interfacial of impact interactions toughness in PLA/PMMA may be often blends accompanied is responsible by for a increased significant tensile reduction of strength.the tensile PMMA strength. was also shown to provide increased hydrolytic and structural stability to theTernary PLA/PMMA blends blends are [much21–23 ].more However, complex the improvementsystems with of a impactwide range toughness of possible in mi- binarycrostructures. blends requires Many additionvariables of that quite influenc large amounte the morphology, (>20 wt.%) of and PMMA, properties which has include the an adverse effect on the compostability of PLA. In addition, the improvement of impact volume fraction, inherent properties of the components and their miscibility. In the im- toughness may be often accompanied by a significant reduction of the tensile strength. miscibleTernary blends blends the are interfacial much more tension complex between systems withcomponents a wide range can ofbe possibleefficiently mi- reduced crostructures.through compatibilization, Many variables thatwhich influence results the in morphology,a better dispersion and properties of a minor include component the and volumeimproved fraction, interfacial inherent adhesion. properties That of the may components prevent and premature their miscibility. fracture In resulting the immis- from for- ciblemation blends of thelarge interfacial cavities tension inside between a minor components component can inclusions be efficiently or due reduced to separation through of the compatibilization,components. Ternary which resultsPLA/PMMA in a better blends dispersion with of aother minor thermoplastic component and improvedpolymers can be interfacialpromising adhesion. materials. That The may compatibilizers prevent premature should fracture be miscible resulting with from at formationleast one component of largeof the cavities blend. inside Addition a minor of componentcopolymers inclusions containi orng due functionalized to separation ofmethacrylate the components. blocks is an Ternary PLA/PMMA blends with other thermoplastic polymers can be promising materials. effective way to achieve good compatibility and toughening [24–34]. Nanofillers, e.g., na- The compatibilizers should be miscible with at least one component of the blend. Addition ofnosilica copolymers [17,35] containing or other functionalized minerals [36,37], methacrylate also blockshave isa anpositive effective effect way toon achieve properties of goodPLA/PMMA compatibility blends. and It toughening is worth mentioning [24–34]. Nanofillers, that PMMA e.g., nanosilica was also [applied17,35] or as other an effective mineralscompatibilizer [36,37], also that have provided a positive a toughening effect on properties effect ofin PLA/PMMA blends of PLA/polyvinylidene blends. It is worth fluo- mentioningride [38], PLA/polybutadiene-g-poly(styrene-c that PMMA was also applied as an effectiveo-acrylonitrile) compatibilizer [39,40], that PLA/poly(butylene provided a tougheningadipate-co-butylene effect in blends terephthalate) of PLA/polyvinylidene [41], PLA/polystyrene fluoride [38], [42] PLA/polybutadiene-g- or PLA/poly(epichlorohy- poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)drin-co-ethylene oxide) [43]. [39 ,40], PLA/poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephtha- late) [41We], PLA/polystyrenehave recently [found42] or PLA/poly(epichlorohydrin-co-ethylene that linear, ladder-like polysilsesquioxanes oxide) [43]. (LPSQ-R) We have recently found that linear, ladder-like polysilsesquioxanes (LPSQ-R) (Scheme1 ) (Scheme 1) may be applied as interesting modifiers of PLA [44–47]. LPSQ-R are amor- may be applied as interesting modifiers of PLA [44–47]. LPSQ-R are amorphous substances ofphous low glass substances transition of temperatures low glass transition that are partially temperatures miscible that with are PLA partially [44–46]. miscible Their net with PLA effect[44–46]. may Their be attributed net effect to plasticization may be attributed
Recommended publications
  • Film Performance of Poly(Lactic Acid) Blends for Packaging Applications
    RESEARCH ARTICLE Film Performance of Poly(lactic acid) Blends for Packaging Applications PREFACE API 2015 Carlos Diaz Hsun Yi (Sarah) Pao Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester Institute of Technology [email protected] [email protected] Sungyoung Kim Rochester Institute of Technology [email protected] ABSTRACT Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources, stands out as a substitute to petroleum-based plastics. PLA based films for food packaging has been an area of both commercial and research interest within the context of sustainability. In spite of its high strength, packaging applications have been limited because PLA is more brittle than traditional oil-based plastics. Because of this, films display low tear and impact resistance and produce a loud crackling sound when manipulated. Although many studies address the toughening of PLA in the bulk, little attention has been placed on the film performance. The present study is aimed at providing a survey of binary PLA based blends with other biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics. Acrylic impact modifier (AIM, 5 wt. %), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA, 20 wt.%), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA, 10 wt.%), polycaprolactone (PCL, 30 wt.%), polybutylene succinate (PBS, 20 wt.%) and polypropylene carbonate (PPC, 30 wt.%) were each blended with PLA through single-screw extrusion and converted into films via the blown-film process. Tear and impact resistance, heat seal strength, and noise level were measured. EVA, PHA, PCL, and PBS improved the tear resistance with EVA having the highest effect (>2x). Similarly AIM, EVA and PPC improved the resistance of the film to impact-puncture penetration. Heat seal strength was significantly improved by the PHA and moderately increased by AIM (2x) and EVA.
    [Show full text]
  • Mechanical Behaviour of Polylactic Acid Foam As Insulation Under Increasing Temperature
    Environmental and Climate Technologies 2019, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 202–210 doi: 10.2478/rtuect-2019-0090 https://content.sciendo.com Mechanical Behaviour of Polylactic Acid Foam as Insulation Under Increasing Temperature Lucia DOYLE1*, Ingo WEIDLICH2 1,2 HafenCity University, Uberseeallee 16, Hamburg, 20457, Germany Abstract – Measures to increase the share of renewables in heat generation, combined with increased energy efficiency provide a direct emissions reduction on the heating sector. Energy efficiency measures, as well as the role-out of sustainable heating technologies such as district heating networks have one key actor: insulation. However, state of the art insulating materials such as polyurethane or polystyrene have severe environmental drawbacks incompatible with today’s transition to the circular economy, and are the Achilles’ heel of the sector in terms of sustainability. Biobased and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) foam could be a promising replacement for fossil-based polymeric insulating foams. This study provides data on the mechanical behaviour of expanded PLA foam under different temperatures, which will help to assess its potential use as insulation where the foam is subject to heat. Keywords – Circular economy; insulating foam; Polylactic Acid (PLA); thermal behaviour Nomenclature σ10 Compressive Stress at 10 % strain MPa E Young Modulus MPa T Temperature °C Tg Glass transition temperature °C a Sample width mm b Sample depth mm h Sample height mm 1. INTRODUCTION Energy efficiency measures combined with sustainable renewable sources of heat would significantly reduce global CO2 emissions and contribute to the achievement of goals such as the EU 2020 climate and energy package. The 4th generation District Heating [1] aims in this direction: by reducing the network´s temperature, up to now non-used waste and renewable heat sources can be introduced in the system, significantly contributing to the decarbonisation of the sector, as well as contributing to higher air quality in urban areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Melt Free-Radical Grafting of Maleic Anhydride Onto Biodegradable Poly(Lactic Acid) by Using Styrene As a Comonomer
    Polymers 2014, 6, 1528-1543; doi:10.3390/polym6051528 OPEN ACCESS polymers ISSN 2073-4360 www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers Article Melt Free-Radical Grafting of Maleic Anhydride onto Biodegradable Poly(lactic acid) by Using Styrene as a Comonomer Piming Ma, Long Jiang, Tao Ye, Weifu Dong and Mingqing Chen * The Key Laboratory of Food Colloids and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, China; E-Mails: [email protected] (P.M.); [email protected] (L.J.); [email protected] (T.Y.); [email protected] (W.D.) * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-510-8591-7019; Fax: +86-510-8591-7763. Received: 15 April 2014; in revised form: 6 May 2014 / Accepted: 6 May 2014 / Published: 21 May 2014 Abstract: Maleic anhydride (MA) was grafted onto poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in the presence of styrene (St) by using a free-radical grafting methodology. The grafting degree (Dg) of MA was increased from 0.65 wt % to 1.1 wt % with the St/MA ratio up to 2/1, where the grafting efficiency (Eg) of MA was 27%. However, both Dg and Eg were decreased with further increasing of the St/MA ratio to 4/1. The Dg of MA increased with MA concentration and showed a maximum at 180 °C in the temperature range of 165 °C–190 °C. The grafting mechanisms of MA in the presence of St are analyzed based on titration, thermogravimetric analysis and infrared results, i.e., MA is grafted onto PLA chains via single monomers and a charge-transfer-complex (CTC) at St/MA ratios of ≤ 1/1, while dominantly via St-co-MA oligomers at St/MA ratios of around 2/1.
    [Show full text]
  • Polylactic Acid
    Inspirational chemistry 71 Polylactic acid Index 3.1.10 2 sheets Index 3.1.11 3 sheets This experiment is aimed only at more able and more sensible students as an ! introduction to other studies on polylactic acid. It is not recommended for students who would find it difficult to be calm and concentrated while heating a liquid to a high temperature for at least 10 minutes. The student sheet Using polylactic acid covers some of the environmental issues surrounding the industrial production of this plastic and its disposal. Background information Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid) can be obtained by fermenting glucose or maltose or can be extracted from milk. It is used as the starting point for the production of polylactic acid, also known as poly (2-hydroxypropanoic acid), which can also be made from petrochemicals. Polylactic acid is a condensation polymer – a molecule of water is produced for every link made in the chain. This is not specified in the students’ notes, but you might wish to draw their attention to it. When the water is removed, an oligomer made of 10–30 lactic acid units is formed. An oligomer is essentially a short length of polymer. The production of true polylactic acid involves catalytic depolymerisation of the oligomer to a lactide intermediate followed by polymerisation of the lactide to high molecular weight polylactic acid. In the experiment described here only the oligomer is made. The product therefore has different properties from the polylactic acid used in packaging. It may be useful to discuss with students how the different properties are related to the chain length of the polymer molecules.
    [Show full text]
  • TA No.81 Thermal Analysis of Polylactic Acid -Crystallinity and Heat Resistance- 2007.9
    TA no.81 Thermal analysis of polylactic acid -Crystallinity and heat resistance- 2007.9 1. Introduction 10mg samples were heated from 20 °C to 200 °C Recent views on waste disposal and environmental at 10 °C /min. in a nitrogen atmosphere. For the conservation have increased the focus on biode- TG measurements, 10-mg samples were heated from gradable plastic, which can be produced from re- room temperature to 400 °C at rates of 10, 5, 2 and newable raw materials and decomposes in the natural 1 °C / min. in a nitrogen atmosphere. environment. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegrad- 3. Results able plastic derived from plants that is widely used in packing materials, fibers and medical materials. Figure 1 shows the DSC results when the samples Crystallinity is an important consideration for the were melted and then cooled at 0.1 °C / min. strength, impact resistance, and transparency re- Figure 2 shows the DSC results when the samples quirements of these materials and influences biode- were quenched rapidly. gradability. Furthermore, lactic acid, the PLA As seen in Figure 1, glass transition (Tg) occurred monomer, has asymmetrical carbon atoms and thus around 60 °C for all samples. Melting occurred with has optical isomers. The isomeric ratio and molecu- endothermic peaks at 150 °C and 170 °C for lar weight of polymers influence crystallinity and heat Sample b and Sample c/ c', respectively. These resistance, so their roles must be considered during results show that the higher the L ratio, the easier it the formation process. is for crystallization to occur.
    [Show full text]
  • FUNCTIONAL PLA BASED SYSTEMS a Dissertation Presented to the Graduate Faculty of the University of Akron in Partial Fulfillment
    FUNCTIONAL PLA BASED SYSTEMS A Dissertation Presented to The Graduate Faculty of The University of Akron In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy Colin Wright December, 2015 FUNCTIONAL PLA BASED SYSTEMS Colin Wright Dissertation Approved: Accepted: ________________________________ ____________________________________ Advisor Department Chair Dr. Coleen Pugh Dr. Coleen Pugh ________________________________ ____________________________________ Committee Chair Dean of the College Dr. Robert Weiss Dr. Eric Amis ________________________________ ____________________________________ Committee Member Dean of the Graduate School Dr. Mathew Becker Dr. Chand Midha ________________________________ ____________________________________ Committee Member Date Dr. William Landis ________________________________ Committee Member Dr. Yang Yun ii ABSTRACT Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), is used in a wide variety of applications. It is a well studied polymer and offers many advantages, such as being derived from renewable resources, being biodegradable, FDA approved for biomedical applications, and commercially available. The main synthetic drawback is that the only sites for post-polymerization functionalization are at the two end groups. By incorporating 3-hydroxy-2- bromopropionic acid as a co-monomer with lactic acid, a site for post-polymerization functionalization can be added. Since the halogen is alpha to a carbonyl, it is activated toward nucleophlic substitution, radical formation, and enolate chemistry. The spacing on the backbone of our polymer allows for additional functionalization including rearrangement, electrophilic aromatic substitution, and cationic ring-opening polymerization. iii DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this dissertation to my parents for encouraging me to attend graduate school. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank my mother and father for their unfailing support of me during my time in academia.
    [Show full text]
  • Polylactic Acid -- an Exciting New Packaging Material1
    Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office. ABE339 Notes from the Packaging Laboratory: Polylactic Acid -- An Exciting New Packaging Material1 Melisa Balkcom, Bruce Welt, Kenneth Berger2 Introduction called Polylactic Acid (PLA), an affordable, recyclable, innovative packaging material made from Everyday, landfills all over the United States are renewable resources. reaching their capacities, and new landfills are opened. Americans are throwing away truckloads of What is Polylactic Acid? trash every year -- about 1500 pounds of waste per year for every person. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer derived from lactic acid. It is a highly Plastic polymers account for about 20 percent versatile material and is made from 100% renewable (by volume) of landfill space. Many cities have run resources like corn, sugar beets, wheat and other out of space to dispose of their trash and are paying to starch-rich products. Polylactic acid exhibits many ship their trash to remote locations. It is only a matter properties that are equivalent to or better than many of time until we run completely out of room for our petroleum-based plastics, which makes it suitable for trash on earth. Not only are we creating so much a variety of applications. trash that we don't know what to do with it, we are also depleting our finite natural resources in the It is important that PLA compares well with process. It is estimated that known global resources other popular plastics already used for packaging. It is of oil will run dry in 80 years, natural gas in 70 years clear and naturally glossy like the polystyrene used in and coal in 700 years, but the economic impact of the "blister packs" for products such as batteries, toys, depletion could hit much sooner; since prices will and many others (3).
    [Show full text]
  • Combination of Poly(Lactic) Acid and Starch for Biodegradable Food Packaging
    materials Review Combination of Poly(lactic) Acid and Starch for Biodegradable Food Packaging Justine Muller ID , Chelo González-Martínez and Amparo Chiralt * Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, IIAD, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 València, Spain; [email protected] (J.M.); [email protected] (C.G.-M.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +34-606-947-540 Received: 28 July 2017; Accepted: 11 August 2017; Published: 15 August 2017 Abstract: The massive use of synthetic plastics, in particular in the food packaging area, has a great environmental impact, and alternative more ecologic materials are being required. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) and starch have been extensively studied as potential replacements for non-degradable petrochemical polymers on the basis of their availability, adequate food contact properties and competitive cost. Nevertheless, both polymers exhibit some drawbacks for packaging uses and need to be adapted to the food packaging requirements. Starch, in particular, is very water sensitive and its film properties are heavily dependent on the moisture content, exhibiting relatively low mechanical resistance. PLA films are very brittle and offer low resistance to oxygen permeation. Their combination as blend or multilayer films could provide properties that are more adequate for packaging purposes on the basis of their complementary characteristics. The main characteristics of PLA and starch in terms of not only the barrier and mechanical properties of their films but also of their combinations, by using blending or multilayer strategies, have been analyzed, identifying components or processes that favor the polymer compatibility and the good performance of the combined materials. The properties of some blends/combinations have been discussed in comparison with those of pure polymer films.
    [Show full text]
  • Mechanical Characterization of Commercial Biodegradable Plastic Films Joseph Robert Vanstrom Iowa State University
    Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and Graduate Theses and Dissertations Dissertations 2012 Mechanical characterization of commercial biodegradable plastic films Joseph Robert Vanstrom Iowa State University Follow this and additional works at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd Part of the Mechanics of Materials Commons Recommended Citation Vanstrom, Joseph Robert, "Mechanical characterization of commercial biodegradable plastic films" (2012). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 12661. https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/12661 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and Dissertations at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Mechanical characterization of commercial biodegradable plastic films Thesis submitted to the graduate faculty in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Presented by Joseph R. Vanstrom Major: Industrial Technology Program of Study Committee Major Professor: David Grewell, Iowa State University Committee Members: Michael Kessler, Iowa State University Raj Raman, Iowa State University Carl Bern, Iowa State University Iowa State University Ames, Iowa 2012 Copyright © Joseph R. Vanstrom, 2012. All Rights Reserved ii Acknowledgement: I’d like to take the opportunity thank those who helped me along the way My family: Dianne, Dwayne, Breanna, Sarah Dr. David Grewell Dr. Carl Bern, Dr. Mike Kessler and Dr. Raj Raman Shankar, Melissa, Maria, Priyanka, Julius, Steve, and Brian The faculty and staff of Department of Ag & Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University And all my friends through the years iii Table of Contents List of Figures .....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • PVC) Industry
    Competitive Implications of Environmental Regulation in the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Industry by Mariette T. Johnson March 29, 1996 The Management Institute for Environment & Business with the support of The United States Environmental Protection Agency DISCLAIMER This report has neither been reviewed nor approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for publication as an EPA report. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 4 INDUSTRY STRUCTURE ....................................................................................................................... 4 Product Description ..................................................................................................................... 4 Product Application ........................................................................................................................ 5 Market Size ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Threat of New Entrants ................................................................................................................... 6 Leading Supplying Nations ...........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • ABS PLA 3D Printer Filaments, Chemicals & Accessories
    3D Printer Filaments, Chemicals & Accessories High quality products for high quality results ABS PLA MG Chemicals ABS 3D printing filaments are made of high purity Acrylonitrile MG Chemicals Polylactic Acid or Polylactide (PLA) 3D printing filaments are a Butadiene Styrene pellets. They resist higher temperatures and offer great corn based product made from high purity, high temperature pellets. It does not machinability, flexibility and strength making it the preferred choice of engineers require a heated print bed and easily adheres to masking tapes. It is very hard, and professionals. ABS plastic can be dissolved and welded in our 434 Acetone acetone resistant and can achieve faster print speeds and lower layer heights making post processing easy. Acetone can also be used to vapor or dip smooth when properly used. It releases a mild, non-offensive sweet smell when heated ABS prints to give them a cast plastic finish. and is the optimal choice for use in homes, schools and makers / hobbyists workshops or studios. It is important to note that a heated bed is required to work with this type of material and because it is petroleum based it emits a slight odour when heated, making it less desirable for home use. It is recommended that this product be printed in a well ventilated area. • High purity Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) • High Purity Polylactic Acid or Polylactide (PLA) • Higher temperature resistance • Made from renewable resources • Flexible and strong • Can be used in high resolution applications • Can be welded and smoothed
    [Show full text]
  • Polylactic Acid-Based Polymer Blends for Durable Applications
    Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports 2014 Polylactic Acid-Based Polymer Blends for Durable Applications Adam Finniss West Virginia University Follow this and additional works at: https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd Recommended Citation Finniss, Adam, "Polylactic Acid-Based Polymer Blends for Durable Applications" (2014). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 596. https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/596 This Dissertation is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by the The Research Repository @ WVU with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Dissertation in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you must obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Dissertation has been accepted for inclusion in WVU Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports collection by an authorized administrator of The Research Repository @ WVU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Polylactic Acid-Based Polymer Blends for Durable Applications Adam Finniss Dissertation submitted to the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering Rakesh K. Gupta, Ph.D., Chair Sushant Agarwal, Ph.D. Robin Hissam, Ph.D. Edward M. Sabolsky, Ph.D. X.Y. Li, Ph.D. Department of Chemical Engineering Morgantown, West Virginia 2014 Keywords: Biodegradable Polymers, Polymer Blends, Polymer Stability Copyright 2014 Adam Finniss ABSTRACT Polylactic Acid-Based Polymer Blends for Durable Applications Adam Finniss There has been considerable scientific interest in both research and commercial communities as of late in the area of biologically based or sourced plastics.
    [Show full text]