The lanolin-based oil plasticized polylactide: Thermal and chemical characteristics

Bio-based plasticizers are a significant replacement for petrochemical-based plasticizers because they are from renewable resources. The plasticizing effect of lanolin-based oil at a different concentration and as an additive on polylactide's thermal and chemical stability (PLA) was investigated. The thermal stability was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The plasticized PLA samples were also analyzed with a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), X-ray powder diffraction (powder XRD), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The plasticizer modified the thermal stability of the PLA polymer by increasing the cold crystallization temperature (T_cc), as shown by DSC. At the same time, the DMA data indicated a reduction in the dynamic storage modulus and glass transition temperature (T_g) with increased amounts of plasticizer content. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the PLA has no polymorphic crystalline transition with the oil plasticizer. The analysis from the results shows the oil additive's potential as a bio-based plasticizer for PLA However, further performance improvements are required for large-scale production. From the results obtained, there are enhancements in the thermal and physical properties of the modified PLA, and it is suitable for composite production.