Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Foamed Polylactide and Polylactide/Wood Flour Composites

Wood flour (WF) is a commonly used filler for wood plastic composites (WPCs), which are mainly used in building products, such as boards, fencing, door and window profiles. WF introduced into polylactide (PLA) can reinforce polymer matrix, as well as reduce the material costs. Composites of PLA with a wood flour content of 15 and 30 wt% have been characterized for their mechanical properties. The cellular structure of PLA and PLA/WF was generated during extrusion process using CBA. DMA, DSC, SEM, and density measurements were used to characterize foamed materials. Addition of wood flour has improved mechanical properties of polylactide foams. E' and loss modulus E '' of composites increased with WF content.