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ARS Home Midwest Area Peoria, Illinois National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research Plant Polymer Research Research Publications at this Location





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Title:   Author  item
                                            Finkenstadt, Victoriaitem
                                            Liu, Linshuitem
                                            Liu, Cheng Kungitem
                                            Cermak, Steven

                                                         - *Steve*item
                                            Evangelista, Roqueitem
                                            Hojilla-Evangelista, Milagros

                                                         - *Mila*item
                                            Willett, Julious
  Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
                                    Publication Type: Abstract Only
                                    Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2006
                                    Publication  Date: 6/26/2006
                                    Citation: Finkenstadt, V.L., Liu, L.S., Liu, C., Cermak, S.C., Evangelista, R.L., Hojillaevangelist, M.P., Willett, J.L. 2006. Green composites using poly(lactic acid) and agricultural co-products [abstract]. Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference. p.64. n.190.Interpretive Summary:
                                Technical Abstract: Poly (lactic acid) is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources and has similar mechanical properties to polypropylene (PPL).  PLA is more expensive than petroleum-based plastics, and the use of low-cost fillers and extenders is desirable.  Agricultural co-products (AcP) were collected after initial processing.  Cuphea (C) and Lesquerella (L) are oil seed crops.  Milkweed (M) is being investigated for industrial uses of its fiber.  PLA was melted then AcP (0%, 8%, 15%, 22%, 30% and 45% w/w) was added producing a homogeneous resin which was injection molded.  As AcP content increased, tensile strength for all PLA composites decreased as predicted by the Nicolais-Narkis model.  PLA-C exhibited increased stiffness.  In contrast, the modulus of PLA-M & PLA-L decreased slightly.  Unexpectedly, PLA-M showed extensive stress-cracking under tensile stress and exhibited an elongation value 50% to 200% more than the PLA control.


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