Preparation and characterization of r-PP/PLA biodegradable thermoplastic blend

Mohd Nazilah, Nurul Shaffiqa (2022) Preparation and characterization of r-PP/PLA biodegradable thermoplastic blend. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Nowadays, environmental friendly and biodegradable products are in high demand. However, the growing problem of plastic pollution as a result of widespread disposal has no end without any long-term solution. Therefore, it was feasible to develop a new sustainable advanced material that can contribute to sustainable development by using the r-PP/PLA biodegradable thermoplastic blends. Moreover, plastic made from corn starch, known as polylactic acid (PLA), is also 100 percent biodegradable. In the meantime, recycled polypropylene is made from virgin polypropylene and recycled. Recycled polypropylene (r-PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) were blended together utilising the melt blending (internal mixer) method. The mixture including thermoplastic-based blends would benefit greatly from the inclusion of the compatibilizer because it would effectively improve mechanical and physical properties. Design of experiment (DOE) - two level full factorial was used as the experimental approach to optimise the processing parameter for the experimental test. Blend ratio (r-PP: PLA), temperature (°C), mixing time (mins), and rotor speed (rpm) are some of the variables (rpm). The value of R2 was almost 1.00, which was sufficient to represent the proposed linear regression model for forecasting the optimal interacting parameters of the tensile strength response and flexural response of rPP/PLA blends. Next, The result of r-PP/PLA blend’s phase morphology for compatibility and partially miscible was observed by the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The optimum combination of mixing parameter and the blend ratio was found able to effect the morphology of minor phase and improve the partial miscibility between the rPP and PLA polymer, for maximum tensile and flexural strength properties.

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