Rheology in the Presence of Carbon Dioxide (CO) to Study the Melt Behavior of Chemically Modified Polylactide (PLA).

For the preparation of polylactide (PLA)-based foams, it is commonly necessary to increase the melt strength of the polymer. Additives such as chain extenders (CE) or peroxides are often used to build up the molecular weight by branching or even crosslinking during reactive extrusion. Furthermore, a blowing agent with a low molecular weight, such as carbon dioxide (CO), is introduced in the foaming process, which might affect the reactivity during extrusion.

Evaluation of the Zero Shear Viscosity, the D-Content and Processing Conditions as Foam Relevant Parameters for Autoclave Foaming of Standard Polylactide (PLA).

In this comprehensive study, the influence of (i) material specific properties (e.g., molecular weight, zero shear viscosity, D-content) and (ii) process parameters (e.

Chemical Modification and Foam Processing of Polylactide (PLA).

Polylactide (PLA) is known as one of the most promising biopolymers as it is derived from renewable feedstock and can be biodegraded. During the last two decades, it moved more and more into the focus of scientific research and industrial use. It is even considered as a suitable replacement for standard petroleum-based polymers, such as polystyrene (PS), which can be found in a wide range of applications-amongst others in foams for packaging and insulation applications-but cause strong environmental issues.