Influence of glass microspheres on selected properties of polylactide composites

Comparison of some changes occurring in polylactide (PLA) due to its modification by glass filler being in the form of microspheres (GM) was the objective of the present study. Mechanical and thermal properties, density, mass flow rate, and were determined. In addition, there were examined surface free energy and changes in the surface geometrical structure of sample fractures. It was found that PLA as modified with GM exhibited the enhanced longitudinal modulus of elasticity, flexural modulus, and mass flow rate. The impact strength and flexural strength did not change. The tensile strength and tensile strain at break decreased. The used glass filler did not affect essentially the thermal properties of PLA. The prepared composites exhibited uniform distribution of the dispersed phase in the polymer matrix and adequate adhesion at the interface between the two components. Substantial changes in the properties of the surface layer were observed, mainly in surface free energy.