Improvement in Crystallizability and Melt Flow Property of Linear Poly(L-lactide) Bioplastic by Blending with Star-shaped Poly(L-lactide)

This research focuses on the crystallizability and melt flow property of linear poly(L-lactide) (1-PLL) by blending with star-shaped 16-arm PLL (16-PLL). The 1-PLL/16-PLL blends were chain extended during melt blending using an epoxy-based chain extender. The crystallinities of the 1-PLL/16-PLL blends increased with the 16-PLL blend ratio and chain extension reaction. The 16-PLL enhanced formation of branched PLL during chain extension was confirmed by thermogravimetry, and improved the melt flow property of the blends. Stresses at break of the compressed blend films were improved slightly by the 16-PLL blending and chain extension. In conclusion, the 16-PLL could be used as a nucleating agent and a melt strength enhancer for linear PLL.