Material propertiesTailoring polylactide (PLA) properties for automotive applications: Effect of addition of designed additives on main mechanical properties

Among currently available bio-based polymers, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has interesting physical and mechanical properties (high tensile strength and stiffness, good processability and biodegradability) but relatively low thermal stability, low toughness and is extremely brittle, all of which can be obstacles to industrial applications. The influence of several additives is investigated in this paper, the aim being to confer mechanical properties to PLA-based compositions suitable for potential use in automotive applications. Comparisons of their mechanical properties with those of a mineral filled polypropylene, as frequently used for automotive applications, show that PLA-plasticizer-impact modifier-nanoclay quaternary compositions represent interesting bio-based alternatives.