Abstract
A synthetic polymer called poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is produced from renewable materials such as starch compounds. PLA is widely used for engineering plastics, food packaging and also for agricultural purposes. The primary disadvantage of PLA in the polymers industry is its brittleness. Because of that, several studies have been performed to enhance mechanical properties through the addition of bio-based plasticizers in polymer compositions. This research work aims to investigate the mechanical properties which is followed the standard method such as flexural strength (ASTM D790), impact energy (ASTM D256) and hardness (ASTM D785). PLA blended with a copolymer bio-based plasticizer, Epoxidized Waste Cooking Oil (EWCO), using the melt blending method via twin screw extruder. The PLA/EWCO blends were prepared using hot press to analyze mechanical properties. The PLA/EWCO blends enhance mechanical properties such as flexural strength, flexural extension and impact energy. Five different blending ratios of PLA/EWCO were examined, 0 %, 2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 % and 10 % of EWCO in PLA. 2.5 % EWCO demonstrated as the optimum amount to be added, which shown in improvement for both flexural strength and impact energy at 6.738 MPa and 1.45 kJ/m2. From this study, PLA/EWCO demonstrated an alternative solution to replace petroleum-based plasticizers such as phthalate compounds and also resolve the brittleness and enhance all of neat PLA's properties, making it a potential renewable bio-based plasticizer.
