Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer obtained from renewable sources such as corn, sugar beet, sugar cane, potato. Due to being environmentally friendly, use in many areas has become widespread. If compared to petroleum-based polymers, and other biodegradable polymers, PLA is preferred due to features such as high mechanical properties, transparency and gas permeability. Characteristic specifications of PLA are provided to use in several areas such as biomedical applications, packaging industry, food industry. However, PLA limits usage area due to its low thermal resistance and toughness. To improve these negative aspects of PLA, it is blended with polymers such a polycarbonate (PC). PC is a polymer with impact resistance, toughness, and high thermal properties. Thus, the biodegradable properties of PLA and the mechanical properties of PC can be combined in PLA/PC mixture. PLA/PC mix is used in many places, such as laptops, mobile phones, auto parts. In this study, the aim is to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the mixture were examined by adding two different catalysts which are Cerium dioxide (CeO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2). In this study, PLA/PC blend films were prepared with the solution casting technique. The prepared blend film characterized by mechanical, thermal and structural analysis. The interaction between PLA/PC blend was determined by FTIR analysis. As a result of the mechanical tests; it was observed that the tensile strain values of the films improve slightly with the TiO2 catalyst, the tensile strength increased in blends films with CeO2 catalyst.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Polylactic acid (PLA), Polycarbonate(PC), Cerium dioxide (CeO₂), Titanium dioxide (TiO₂)
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