Publication Type
Journal
Journal Name
ACS Macro Letters
Publication Date
Page Numbers
30 to 33
Volume
4
Issue
1
Abstract
We show catalyst localized at the interface can compatibilize polyethylene (PE) and polylactide (PLA) blends. Telechelic hydroxyl functional PE was synthesized by ring opening metathesis polymerization, which reacted with PLA in melt mixing (shown by adhesion and droplet size reduction). Lewis acid tin catalysts were examined as interfacial reaction promoters, with the goal of interfacial localization. Stannous octoate was shown to localize at the interface by transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and improved dispersion of PLA in PE as compared to uncatalyzed materials and a nonlocalized tin chloride dihydrate.