Synthesis of an Efficient Processing Modifier Silica-g-poly(lactic acid)/poly(propylene carbonate) and Its Behavior for Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(propylene carbonate) Blends

An efficient processing modifier silica-g-poly(lactic acid)/poly(propylene carbonate) (SiO2-g-PLA/PPC) was synthesized by grafting reaction and poly(lactic acid)/poly(propylene carbonate) (PLA/PPC) nanocomposites were prepared using a Haake torque rheometer. Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and rheological results showed together that the PLA and PPC molecular chains were successfully grafted on the surface of nanosilica (nano-SiO2). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs showed that SiO2-g-PLA/PPC could effectively improve the interface adhesion of PLA/PPC blends, so that the compatibility of the two improved. Moreover, SiO2-g-PLA/PPC could effectively toughen PLA/PPC blends, accelerate crystallization and increase the relaxation time of PLA/PPC blends which leads to an improvement of processing performance effectively. All of the above improvements of PLA/PPC nanocomposites were attributed to the strong...