Studies on Mechanical, Thermal, Optical, Physical Properties and Characterization of EVA-PLA blend Films with EGMA Compatibilizer

Abstract

                                             AbstractPLA has received substantial interest recently due to it’s  Biodegradability, High strength and renewable origin. But it is amorphous and hence Brittle like PS, PVC. Hence EVA containing 18% VA was melt blended with PLA in three ratios(80:20, 70:30, 60:40 wt%)  using a Twin screw extruder. EGMA was used as compatibilizer. Films were made by using a Tubular     Blown film extruder. The EVA-PLA blends were Tested for their mechanical, Thermal, Optical and Physical properties. The Blends were characterized by DSC, TGA and SEM. In the EVA-PLA blends, as the PLA concentration increases, the Tensile Strength in machine direction decreases. The tear strength of the EVA-PLA blends are better than EVA in both machine and transverse directions. The dart impact strength decreased, Luminious transmittance  decreased, WVTR increased, and Biodegradability percentage increased. However this much of improvements in tensile strength is sufficient for food packaging applications. Among the three composition 70:30 % (wt.%) yield best results. This is because of interaction between the polar groups of  EVA and PLA polymers  and also by  the   addition of  EGMA reactive  Compatibilizer. SEM images of the 70:30% blends   shows that EVA-PLA compatible and Partially Miscible. DSC curves of all composition of EVA-PLA blend show that the blend is partially miscible one.