Development of High Performance Polymer Blends

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The main objective of this research program is to develop biopolymer blends based on polylactide (PLA) with outstanding properties to replace synthetic polymer blends for engineering and possibly biomedical applications. We will examine the properties of a few promising PLA-based blends made with a bio-based polyamide (PA11) or polycaprolactone (PCL), or with biodegradable poly(butylene succinate adipate), PBSA, and poly(butylene adipate terephthalate), PBAT. In parallel, the addition of nanoparticles to promising blends will be investigated to control and stabilize their morphology and improve the final properties of the blends. Potential nanoparticles are nanoclay (montmorillonite, sepiolite, halloysite nanotubes), carbon nanotubes and graphene. Selective localization of the nanoparticles will be sought, in particular at the interface of both polymer components. These blends and nanocomposites will be prepared via an internal mixer or using a small twin-screw extruder under different mixing conditions and possibly using a compatibilizer to reduce the interfacial tension between the polymer components. Models recently proposed to predict the evolution of the morphology and rheological properties will be assessed and eventually modified to improve predictions. The quality of the nanoparticle dispersion in each polymer component and the nanoparticle-polymer interactions will be assessed through linear viscoelastic measurements, in particular using the apparent yield stress, which will be correlated to the wetting coefficient. Rheometry in shear and elongational flows will be used again to verify the stability of the blend and nanocomposite morphology. Basic thermo-mechanical, tensile and impact properties of the blend nanocomposites will be determined. Finally, depending on the nanoparticle choice, electrical or barrier properties as well as foamability would be evaluated.