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Refractive Index Engineering as a Novel Strategy toward Highly Transparent and Tough Sustainable Polymer Blends.
- Source :
- Chinese Journal of Polymer Science (Springer Science & Business Media B.V.); Dec2020, Vol. 38 Issue 12, p1335-1344, 10p
- Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- High transparency and toughness are prerequisites for sustainable polymers if they are to find wide application as alternatives to petroleum-based polymers. However, the utility of sustainable polymers such as commercially available polylactide (PLA) is limited by their inherent brittleness and high cost. Unfortunately, toughening PLA-based materials via cost-effective blending strategies without sacrificing transparency remains a challenge. Herein, we report a novel strategy involving active refractive index matching for creation of highly transparent and tough PLA blends. Specifically, we engineered the refractive index of a promising renewable poly(epichlorohydrin-co-ethylene oxide) elastomer by introducing polar ionic moieties via a simple chemical method, and we blended the resulting ionomers with PLA. The best blend showed an impact strength of > 80 kJ/m<superscript>2</superscript>, an elongation at break of 400%, and high transparency (90%). These characteristics are of great importance for potential applications such as packaging. Our strategy offers a versatile new way to prepare high-performance sustainable polymer materials with excellent transparency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 02567679
- Volume :
- 38
- Issue :
- 12
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Chinese Journal of Polymer Science (Springer Science & Business Media B.V.)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 147018496
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10118-020-2439-1