How to combine a hydrophobic matrix and a hydrophilic filler without adding a compatibilizer – Co-grinding enhances use properties of renewable PLA-starch composites

Nadine Le Bolay (1) , Alain Lamure (2) , Nora Gallego Leis (2) , Arfan Subhani (2)

1 LGC - Laboratoire de Génie Chimique
2 CIRIMAT - Centre interuniversitaire de recherche et d'ingenierie des matériaux

In order to avoid the use of compatibilizers or plasticizers, co-grinding was performed to produce PLA – starch composite materials. Fragmentation and agglomeration phenomena were analysed to propose a production mechanism. Co-grinding enhances dispersion of the filler in the matrix and interactions between the materials. Consequently while blending the two materials has a negative effect on mechanical properties, co-grinding permits to improve them if optimized operating conditions are applied. Water uptake and diffusion are also controlled by co-grinding conditions. This treatment allows the production of composite materials offering good use properties without any use of a compatibilizer or a plasticizer.

Mots clés: Poly (lactic acid); Starch; Grinding; Composites; Properties

Domaines: Matériaux

Nadine Le Bolay, Alain Lamure, Nora Gallego Leis, Arfan Subhani. How to combine a hydrophobic matrix and a hydrophilic filler without adding a compatibilizer – Co-grinding enhances use properties of renewable PLA-starch composites. Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification, 2012, 56, pp.1-9. ⟨10.1016/j.cep.2012.03.005⟩. ⟨hal-03534720⟩