Fig. 1c~f show the influence of PLA/NR ratios on mechanical properties of the dynamically vulcanized PLA/NR blends.
As shown in Fig. 1c, the addition of NR significantly lowers the tensile strength of PLA even although the NR
phase is vulcanized. D80/20 shows a tensile strength of about 32 MPa, nearly half that of the neat PLA.
Fortunately, this disappointing decrease of tensile strength is mitigated with further increased NR content. D70/30, D65/35 and D60/40 show tensile strength at acceptable values, about 25 MPa, 23 MPa and 21 MPa, respectively.
The reduction in tensile strength is mainly attributed to the rubbery nature of NR and the reduction of the rigid PLA phase.