Lotader® AX8900 used as compatibilizer of PLA and EPDM in a bio-based Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV)

November 2020

A study on PLA modification through reactive extrusion with SKFP Lotader® AX8900

Poly lactic acid (PLA), a partially biobased and biodegradable polyester, is one of the most widely used plastics in environment-friendly applications. Due to its low elasticity and high brittleness, PLA is not suitable for applications where a higher flexibility is required.

To overcome this, soft materials like ethylene-propylene-diene-rubber (EPDM) can be used, also using cross-linking agents to achieve thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV).

The Department of Bio-based Plastics of Fraunhofer UMSICHT Institute conducted a thorough study on the impact modification of PLA with partly bio-based EPDM (https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/12/3/605) through reactive extrusion.

In this study Lotader® AX8900 was used as a reactive compatibilizer thanks to its functional glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) group.

The study showed that adding Lotader® AX8900 during the reactive extrusion increases the mixability of PLA and EPDM. Lotader® AX8900 also enhances the dynamic vulcanization process. Both effects lead to a significantly increase in elongation at break and Charpy notched impact strength of the TPV.

Please contact our local Ambra sales representative for more information on the use of SKFP Lotader AX range in the compounding of polyesters.