Optimization of nucleating agent for progressing the crystal nucleation of poly lactic acid

Abstract

Effects of nucleating agent on the crystal nucleation of poly lactic acid (PLA) were investigated by adding two kinds of nucleating agent into PLA. The induction period and crystallization rate of PLA were investigated by optical polarizing microscope observation on a hot stage. The crystallization temperature, melting temperature and crystallization time were investigated on non-isothermal process and isothermal process via DSC, respectively. The induction period, crystallization temperature and crystallization time depended on combination of nucleating agent. Furthermore, it was found that these properties also depended on the concentration of nucleating agent. The crystallization rate and melting temperature of PLA were not affected by nucleating agent.