Effect Polymeric Modifier (Biostrength B150), and Organoclay on Properties of Poly(lactic acid) - PLA

In recent years the search for biodegradable polymers has excelled due to environmental issues. Among the biodegradable polymers from renewable sources, the poly (lactic acid) - PLA is one of the most widely used commercially, and several researches are being developed in order to improve their properties and thus increase its commercial applicability. Thus, this work aims to study the effects of incorporating polymer modifier (MBS Copolymer, Biostrength 150 - B150) and organoclay (Brasgel PA) in the properties of PLA. The study was conducted in two stages: with and without clay, and both with the B150. The concentrations used were 90/10 (PLA / modifier) and 3pcr (parts per hundred resin) of organoclay. The results showed that the mechanical properties of tensile and impact PLA significantly improved by using the polymeric modifier, indicating a gain in impact strength without a significant loss in modulus of elasticity.