The formation of β-cyclodextrin-inclusion complex (IC) with PLA and the effect of IC on PLA based films were investigated. Surface morphology, thermal, barrier, and mechanical properties of the composite films were measured at varying IC (1, 3, 5, and 7%) concentration and compared with two control systems: pure PLA film and PLA films incorporating β-CD (1 and 5%). The PLA IC incorporated composite films (IC-PLA-CFs) had uniform distribution of ICs in the film structure without signs of ICs agglomeration. In contrast, control films exhibited β-CDs agglomeration due to poor interfacial interaction between β-CD and PLA moieties. According to the thermal property analysis, 5% IC incorporation into PLA matrix decreased 7-fold the dimensional changes of the IC-PLA-CFs at the temperature range of 20 to 80<sup>o</sup>C in contrast to pure PLA film and it showed significant improvement of on-set temperature for dimensional change. On the other hand, the β-CD-PLA-CFs did not show any improvement in thermal expansion comparing to the pure PLA film. The glass transition and crystallization temperature of all composite films were shifted to the higher temperature region as a function of IC concentration and the crystallinity of the PLA based composite films were increased comparing to the pure PLA film due to the nucleating function of β-CD. All composite films had higher oxygen and water vapor permeability as IC or β-CD content increased in comparison to the pure PLA film. PLA-CFs had lower tensile strength and elongation at break than the pure PLA film due to the filler character of β-CD and IC. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the IC incorporation is a valuable technique for enhancing the thermal stability of PLA based films.

Improved thermal stability of polylactic acid (PLA) film using β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex with PLA

249th National Meeting (2015)

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