Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Synergistic Effect of Talc and Titanium Dioxide on Poly(lactic acid) Crystallization: An Investigation on the Injection Molding Cycle Time Reduction

  • Original paper
  • Published:
Journal of Polymers and the Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Injection molding cycle time is one of very important parameters relating to the plastic production rate. In neat poly(lactic acid) (PLA), it requires more than 25 min to obtain its half crystallinity (t1/2). This indicates that the injection molding of neat PLA with high degree of crystallinity (Xc) and high production rate is impossible. This research aims to increase the crystallization rate of PLA by combining two inorganic fillers namely; titanium dioxide (TiO2) and talc. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study indicated that the t1/2 of PLA decreased from 27 min to < 81 s, while the Xc increased by around 16% with the adition of TiO2. Modifying PLA with talc was found to reduce t1/2 down to 36 s and the Xc increased from 0.92 to 20% only at a heating rate of 1 °C/min. The combination of talc and TiO2 was significantly increased the Xc for all cooling rates applied. Synergistic crystallization behavior was clearly observed when TiO2 was added to PLA/talc for all TiO2 concentrations. Minimum t1/2 of 18 s was observed together with the increased Xc by around 26% when TiO2 was added to PLA/talc at 3 wt%. This reduced the injection cycle time from around 28 min, in neat PLA, down to 68 s at this TiO2 content. With the presence of talc and TiO2, the flexural modulus of the composites was improved significantly.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Petchwattana N, Sanetuntikul J, Narupai B (2018) Plasticization of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) by different triglyceride molecular sizes: a comparative study with glycerol. J Polym Environ 26:1160–1168

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Xia XL, Liu WT, Tang XY, Shi XY, Wang LN, He SQ, Zhu CS (2014) Degradation behaviors, thermostability and mechanical properties of poly (ethylene terephthalate)/polylactic acid blends. J Cent South Univ 21:1725–1732

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Petchwattana N, Sanetuntikul J, Naknaen P, Narupai B (2018) Crystallisation behaviour and transparencyof poly(lactic acid) nucleated with dimethylbenzylidene sorbitol. Plast Rubber Compos 47:147–155

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Kolstad JJ (1996) Crystallization kinetics of poly(l-lactide-co-mesolactide). J Appl Polym Sci 62:1079–1091

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Li H, Huneault MA (2007) Effect of nucleation and plasticization on the crystallization of poly(lactic acid). Polymer 48:6855–6866

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Mamat N, Jaafar M, Abdul Hamid ZA (2019) Surface modification of gentamicin-loaded polylactic acid (PLA) microsphere using double emulsion and solvent evaporation: Effect on protein adsorption and drug release behaviour. J Phys Sci 30:109–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Petchwattana N, Covavisaruch S, Petthai S (2014) Influence of talc particle size and content on crystallization behavior, mechanical properties and morphology of poly(lactic acid). Polym Bull 71:1947–1959

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Shakoor A, Thomas NL (2014) Talc as a nucleating agent and reinforcing filler in poly(lactic acid) composites. Polym Eng Sci 54:64–70

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Wang S, Zhang J (2014) Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of high density polyethylene/titanium dioxide composites via melt blending. J Therm Anal Calorim 115:63–71

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Gonzalez-Calderon JA, Vallejo-Montesinos J, Almendarez-Camarillo A, Montiel R, Pérez E (2016) Non-isothermal crystallization analysis of isotactic polypropylene filled with titanium dioxide particles modified by a dicarboxylic acid. Thermochim Acta 631(1):8–17

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Ghasemi-Kahrizsangi A, Shahraki A, Farooghi M (2018) Effect of nano-TiO2 additions on the densification and properties of magnesite–dolomite ceramic composites. Iran J Sci Technol Trans A 42(2):567–575

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Luyt AS, Gasmi S (2018) Influence of TiO2 nanoparticles on the crystallization behaviour and tensile properties of biodegradable PLA and PCL nanocomposites. J Polym Environ 26:2410–2423

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Kracalik M (2017) Effect of organoclay chemistry and morphology on properties of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites. Plast Rubber Compos 46:389–395

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Li Y, Han C, Yu Y, Xiao L, Shao Y (2018) Crystallization behaviors of poly(lactic acid) composites fabricated using functionalized eggshell powder and poly(ethylene glycol). Thermochim Acta 663:67–76

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Nekhamanurak B, Patanathabutr P, Hongsriphan N (2012) Thermal–mechanical property and fracture behaviour of plasticised PLA–CaCO3 nanocomposite. Plast Rubber Compos 41:175–179

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Zhang X, Shi J, Ye H, Dong Y, Zhou Q (2018) Combined effect of cellulose nanocrystals and poly(butylene succinate) on poly(lactic acid) crystallization: the role of interfacial affinity. Carbohydr Polym 179:79–85

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Saeidlou S, Huneault MA, Li H, Park CB (2012) Poly(lactic acid) crystallization. Prog Polym Sci 37:1657–1677

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Zhang N, Zhang Q, Wang K, Deng H, Fu Q (2012) Combined effect of β-nucleating agent and multi-walled carbon nanotubes on polymorphic composition and morphology of isotactic polypropylene. J Therm Anal Calorim 107:733–743

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Harris AM, Lee EC (2008) Improving mechanical performance of injection molded PLA by controlling crystallinity. J Appl Polym Sci 107:2246–2255

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Ke T, Sun X (2003) Melting behavior and crystallization kinetics of starch and poly(lactic acid) composites. J Appl Polym Sci 89:1203–1210

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Xiao HW, Li P, Ren X, Jiang T, Yeh JT (2010) Isothermal crystallization kinetics and crystal structure of poly(lactic acid): effect of triphenyl phosphate and talc. J Appl Polym Sci 118:3558–3569

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Xiao H, Yang L, Ren X, Jiang T, Yeh JT (2010) Kinetics and crystal structure of poly(lactic acid) crystallized nonisothermally: effect of plasticizer and nucleating agent. Polym Compos 31:2057–2068

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Thamaphat K, Limsuwan P, Ngotawornchai B (2008) Phase characterization of TiO2 powder by XRD and TEM. Kasetsart J (Nat Sci) 42:357–361

    Google Scholar 

  24. Sarasua JR, Rodrıguez NL, Arraiza AL, Meaurio E (2005) Stereoselective crystallization and specific interactions in polylactides. Macromolecules 38:8362–8371

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Feng Y, Ma P, Xu P, Wang R, Dong W, Chen M, Joziasse C (2018) The crystallization behavior of poly(lactic acid) with different types of nucleating agents. Int J Biol Macromol 106:955–962

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. De Santis F, Pantani R, Titomanlio G (2011) Nucleation and crystallization kinetics of poly(lactic acid). Thermochim Acta 522:128–134

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Bonderer LJ, Studart AR, Woltersdorf J, Pippel E, Gauckler LJ (2009) Strong and ductile platelet-reinforced polymer films inspired by nature: microstructure and mechanical properties. J Mater Res 24:2741–2754

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Kang KS, Lee S II, Lee TJ, Narayan R, Shin RY (2008) Effect of biobased and biodegradable nucleating agent on the isothermal crystallization of poly(lactic acid). Korean J Chem Eng 25:599–608

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Alata H, Hexig B, Inoue Y (2006) Effect of poly(vinyl alcohol) fine particles as a novel biodegradable nucleating agent on the crystallization of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). J Polym Sci B Polym Phys 44:1813–1820

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the research grant supported by Srinakharinwirot University (Contract No. 045/2560). Thanks are extended to Mr. Kittisak Phromsuk, Miss Wipada Kijmaneekul and Miss Weraphattra Kodwongsa for their valuable comments.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Polymer Materials Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Product Innovation and Technology, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, 26120, Thailand

    Nawadon Petchwattana

  2. Expert Centre of Innovative Materials, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, Khlong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand

    Borwon Narupai

Authors
  1. Nawadon Petchwattana
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Borwon Narupai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nawadon Petchwattana.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Petchwattana, N., Narupai, B. Synergistic Effect of Talc and Titanium Dioxide on Poly(lactic acid) Crystallization: An Investigation on the Injection Molding Cycle Time Reduction. J Polym Environ 27, 837–846 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-019-01396-0

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-019-01396-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation