Cold crystallization kinetics of biodegradable polymer blend; controlled by reactive interactable and nano nucleating agent

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is famous for its crystalline nature and ability to show exothermic crystallization (cold crystallization) peak during heating cycle of differential scanning calorimetric study. To get an insight into the mechanism of cold crystallization of PLA in its promising forms like biodegradable blend and biodegradable blend nanocomposite, a kinetic study has conducted and reported in the present study. Biodegradable blend of PLA has prepared with poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). Subsequently, blend nanocomposite has prepared using organically modified layered nano silicate. Maleic anhydride has used as a reactive compatibilization agent to modify the interface of the partially miscible blend of PLA and PHB. Kinetics and mechanism of crystallization have monitored through isothermal cold crystallization method on the basis of Avrami relationship. Avrami exponent ‘n’ and equilibrium rate constant ‘K’ value has taken into consideration to quantify the crystallization rate. The half-life of crystallization and equilibrium melting point also has estimated as additional findings to confirm the estimated rate of crystallization. Variation in the energy of activation (Ea) using Arrhenius relation and regime transitions during crystallization process through Lauritzen–Hoffman (L-H) equation also have been reported.