Biaxial Stretching Inducing Formation of Spherical Mesophase of Poly(lactic Acid) with Highly Improved Strength and Toughness.

ABSTRACT: Highly toughened poly-(lactic acid) films with balanced stiffness and strength were successfully prepared through biaxial stretching, inducing the formation of sea-island morphology. Attributing to biaxial stretching, the spherical mesophase was formed at various temperatures from 65 to 80 °C. The content and average diameter size of spherical mesophase first increased and then decreased with increasing stretching temperature. The resulting sea-island morphology functions as rigid nodes bridging the compliant amorphous domains, thereby reinforcing the film structure. Notably, the incorporation of small-sized spherical mesophases (e.g., T65) stimulates the generation of abundant microfibrillated crazes within the PLA matrix, which serves as a primary mechanism for tensile energy dissipation

SUBMITTER: Li M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12917719 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature