Glycidol-Free Aliphatic Copolymers as Chain Extenders for Polylactic Acid and Their Cost and Carbon Emission Assessments

Reported herein is the impact of glycidol-free chain extenders on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to enhance its mechanical properties. Gel permeation chromatography characterization confirmed the molecular weight (M-w) of the chain extenders as well as the chain-extended PLA samples. Tensile properties, such as elongation, modulus, and impact strength, were evaluated for the chain-extended PLA and compared with those of a commercial chain extender. Thermal characteristics of the chain-extended PLA were measured by using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The complex viscosity and storage modulus for chain-extended PLA were also determined. Cost analysis and CO2 emission estimates are conducted for the new chain extenders and are compared with commercial chain extenders. Overall, chain extenders are likely to offer economic, health, and environmental benefits.