Oil-Based and Bio-Derived Thermoplastic Polymer Blends and Composites 251
Another alternative to traditional compatibilizing methods was proposed by Vignon
et al. [32] usingγirradiation exposure of polycarbonate (PC) and TPS (plasticized
through glycerol) blends. The formulation tested was up to 20 wt% of TPS mixed with
PC, evaluated by DSC, TGA, SEM and mechanical testing. All the analysis proved a
better compatibilization between PC and TPS thanks to the recombination of the free
radicals created during the irradiation: theTgdecreased, reduced thermal degradation.
SEM analyses are consistent with the creation of an interphase (Figure 8.7), which is
in agreement with improved mechanical properties (Figure 8.8). An optimization in
irradiation dose and TPS percentages was needed to improve PC/TPS properties.
Acc.V Spot Magn 50 μm
15.0 kV 5.0 558× SE 15.6
Det WD
Figure 8.7Image of 50 kGy irradiated Pc080/TPS20. Vignonet al. 2011 [32]. Reproduced with
permission of John Wiley and Sons.
0
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
51015
Plasticized starch added (%)
20 25
ε(%)
E(MPa)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
100 kGy
50 kGy
Non-irradiated
Figure 8.8Effect of irradiation on the variation of Young’s modulus for different amounts of starch
contained in the blends. Vignonet al. 2011 [32]. Reproduced with permission of John Wiley and Sons.
