Effect of compatibilization on the properties of in situ microfibrillar composites based on polylactic acid and polypropylene

The aim of this work was to explore the feasibility of using polypropylene (PP) as an reinforcing material for polylactide acid (PLA) based on the concept of in situ microfibrillar composites (iMFCs). Microfibers of PP were successfully generated by melt mixing, slit die extrusion and cold stretching. However, due to their immiscibility feature, the interfacial interaction between PP microfibers and PLA matrix is poor. In order to reduce the interfacial tension of the blend, PP-grafted with maleic anhydride was used as an interfacial compatibilizer. The effect of filler content on morphological appearance, mechanical and water vapor barrier properties were investigated. Results show the effect of the compatibilizer to stabilize the morphology developed during compounding and to enhance adhesion between the phases thus improving the properties of the obtained iMFCs