Preparation and characterization of poly(propylene carbonate)/polystyrene composite films by melt-extrusion method

Abstract

Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) is a new biodegradable aliphatic polycarbonate with poor thermal stability and mechanical properties which shows difficulty in forming film by melt-extrusion technology. Through the addition of polystyrene (PS), the melt-extrusion film processability, thermal stability and mechanical properties of PPC was improved largely. PPC/PS films were prepared in the the melt-extrusion process successfully. DSC data showed that there was some degree of miscibility between PPC and PS. SEM showed good dispersion of PS particles into PPC matrix. Improved mechanical properties and thermal stability of PPC/PS blends were attributed to homogeneous dispersing and stronger interfacial interaction of PS and PPC. These results indicate that blending PPC with PS is an efficient and convenient method to improve the properties of PPC, and the composites can be used as a common packaging material for a wide range of applications.