Evaluation of mechanical,thermal and morphological properties of PLA films plasticized with maleic acid and its propyl ester derivatives

Biodegradable poly(lactic acid) is regarded as one of the most promising biopolymers with large market potential, but its applications are limited by the poor mechanical properties, since PLA is rigid and brittle. To enhance its mechanical, thermal and processability properties, at this study the authors use small molecules maleic acid (MA) and its propyl ester derivatives monopropyl maleate (MPM) and dipropyl maleate (DPM) as alternative plasticizers. The morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of plasticized PLA were evaluated by DSC, FTIR, ¹H NMR, DMA, PLOM and SEM into two controlled environment desiccators: SiO₂ and water-saturated atmosphere. The results show that the increase in the substitution of MA increasing PLA plasticization ability, decreasing the PLA T_g from 48 °C to 5 °C and increasing percentage strain, while the presence of carboxyl groups from MA and MPM entails in water absorption to the bulk of the films which leads to a hydrolysis of MPM to MA. FTIR and ¹H NMR confirmed these results and show that the hydrolysis and plasticizer evaporation occurs as a function of time. SEM images of fractured films analyzed after conditioned during a one-month present porous surface for PLA/MPM. In conclusion, maleate propyl esters have excellent PLA plasticizing properties and could improve the (using, market employment of this polymer.