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Abstract

Chain-extended poly(lactic acid) /clay nanocomposites were prepared through extrusion process. The effects of the content and dispersion morphology of clay on the molecular weight distribution and rheological behavior of chain extended poly(lactic acid) were discussed. The chain extender/clay ratio would strongly affect the molecular weight and gelation degree of poly(lactic acid), thus affecting the melt strength and melt elasticity. The melt strength increased with increasing clay content, reaching a maximum value, after which it decreased. Then chain extended poly(lactic acid) /clay were foamed with supercritical CO₂, and the cellular structure, cell size, cell density were investigated. The introduction of clay would increase the cell density. The results indicated that a homogeneous and finer cellular morphology could be achieved with a proper content of chain extender and clay in poly(lactic acid).

Keywords

Poly lactic acid chain extender extrusion foaming melt strength melt elasticity cell density

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Study on rheological and extrusion foaming behaviors of chain-extended poly (lactic acid)/clay nanocomposites

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