The effects of chain extension and melt blending temperature on the stereocomplex formation of 50/50
(w/w) poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)/poly(D-lactide) (PDLA) blends or stereocomplex polylactides (scPLAs)
were investigated. Joncryl® ADR 4368, a styrene-acrylic multifunctional oligomeric agent, was used as a
chain extender. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffractometry were used to confirm the
stereocomplex formation of the PLLA/PDLA blends. Melt flow indices (MFI) of the blends were also
determined. The stereocomplex crystallinities gradually decreased with increasing blending temperature
and Joncryl® ADR 4368 ratio. The significant decrease in the MFI of scPLAs is believed to be
attributed to chain extension at the blending temperatures of 170 C and 200 C. The MFI values of
scPLAs decreased as the Joncryl® ADR 4368 ratio and blending temperature increased. The results
indicated that the chain extension has an effect on the stereocomplexation and it improved the melt
strength of the scPLAs.