Improved heat resistance in poly (lactic acid)/ethylene butyl methacrylate glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer blends by controlling highly filled talc particles

Heat resistance poly(lactic acid) PLA/ethylene butyl methacrylate glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (GEBMA)/talc composites were fabricated by melt mixing. Talc is a high aspect ratio filler that has the potential to substantially enhance the heat resistance of crystalline polymer composites. The heat resistance of PLA/GEBMA/talc composite was remarkably enhanced by incorporating a small amount of talc. GEBMA has been introduced as a compatibilizer to improve the interphase balance between the constituent PLA matrix and talc. GEBMA coated on the surface of talc and lead to closely contact with PLA during the melting process. Well-dispersed talc composites were obtained, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. The polarized optical microscopy and thermal analysis results showed that the talc acted as a heterogeneous nucleating agent promoted the crystallization of the PLA (increased the crystallization rate and reduce the crystal size). However, the high content talc affects the mechanical properties of the composites, the tensile strength and impact strength decreased. Besides, the weakened chemical reaction was found between PLA and GEBMA during melt blending. Therefore, the PLA/GEBMA/talc composites have good heat resistance properties.