What is it about?
PLA is a chain scission-dominated polymer, thus it should require a functional monomer to recover the molecular weight and PLA properties. We have established the effect of 2 different functional monomers, cross-linking agent and chain extender, on the improvement in rheological and mechanical properties of irradiated PLA.
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Why is it important?
Gamma irradiation is a technology that extends the shelf life of food by reducing or eliminating microorganisms and insects. PLA is a biodegradable polymer obtained from corn and is popular for food packaging materials. However, PLA is highly sensitive to gamma irradiation. We have recovered the molecular weight of PLA as well as the rheological and mechanical properties of gamma irradiated PLA.
Perspectives
This article leads to the improvement of gamma irradiated PLA. This improvement could widen the application of PLA in food packaging application.
Dr Wanlop Harnnarongchai
King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Influence of Crosslinking Agent and Chain Extender on Properties of Gamma-Irradiated PLA, Journal of Polymers and the Environment, August 2016, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/s10924-016-0812-5.
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