Crystallization, morphology, and mechanical behavior of polylactide/poly(ε-caprolactone) blends

Optically pure polylactides, poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactide) (PDLA), were blended across the range of compositions with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) to study their crystallization, morphology, and mechanical behavior. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of the PLA/PCL blends showed two T(g)s at positions close to the pure components revealing phase separation. However, a shift in the tan delta peak position by DMA from 64 to 57 degrees C suggests a partial solubility of PCL in the PLA-rich phase. Scanning electron microscopy reveals phase separation and a transition in the phase morphology from spherical to interconnected domains as the equimolar blend approaches from the outermost compositions. The spherulitic growth of both PLA and PCL in the blends was followed by polarized optical microscopy at 140 and 37 degrees C. From tensile tests at speed of 50 mm/min Young's modulus values between 5.2 and 0.4 GPa, strength values between 56 and 12 MPa, and strain at break values between 1 and 400% were obtained varying the blend composition. The viscoelastic properties (E' and tan delta) obtained at frequency of 1 Hz by DMA are discussed and are found consistent with composition, phase separation, and crystallization behavior of the blends.