Effect of dicumyl peroxide on biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/functionalized gum arabic based films
Monika, Khalid Mehmood, Vimal Katiyar
Abstract
Abstract Blending of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/functionalized gum arabic ( F G) in presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) presents a simple process to produce film using melt extrusion (recycle time ~ 4 min, screw speed ~60 rpm) at 180°C with tailored characteristics. The FTIR investigation shows that the confirmation of grafting of PLA chains on F G through formation of new C─C linkage. Properties of fabricated films such as morphological, mechanical, UV barrier and contact angle are examined to develop film with improved interfacial interaction, increased toughness, UV–C blocking effect (~95%) and hydrophobicity (~14%). Polarized optical microscopy (POM) studies reveal that PLA/1 F G with and without DCP has more crystal density as compared to PLA at 120°C. This melt extrusion permits straightforward, feasible bionanocomposite film and has great potential as a modification with DCP assists to overcome particular drawbacks of F G.