Sustainable Biopolymer Composites From Perlite, Plasticized and Unplasticized Poly(Lactic Acid)

Abstract

In recent years, ecological pollution has reached critical levels and that has been experienced as climate change by all living organisms. Slowing down the negative effects of climate change depends on changing our consumption behavior. Based on that, people tend to prefer more environmentally friendly, sustainable raw materials, products and processes. Since polymers are one of the most widely used raw materials in the world, any improvement regarding their recycling or biodegradation process can significantly reduce the damage to nature. Considering this fact, manufacturers are taking initiatives to develop such products in line with the demand from consumers. As known, Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), one of the most consumed biodegradable polymers in the market, however there are various problems especially in film production due to its rigid structure. Plasticization is the easiest route to minimize this disadvantage. The aim of this study is to produce and characterize PLA composites with increased flexibility by using sustainable natural materials. In this context, glycerol-plasticized PLA and unplasticized PLA composites were prepared using perlite, a natural additive, and their morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties were investigated.

Keywords

• Poly (lactic acid)
• perlite
• plasticization
• glycerol
• polymer composites

Supporting Institution

Yalova University, BAP (Scientific Research Project)

Project Number

Yalova University, BAP (Scientific Research Project) Project No: 2023/YL/0007

Ethical Statement

We declare that our study do not require ethical committee permission.

Thanks

This project was funded by Yalova University, BAP (Scientific Research Project) Project No and Title: 2023/YL/0007, Preparation and Characterization of Perlite Filled Poly(lactide acid) Composites.

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