Thorough characterization of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate plasticized PLA/pectin composites: Insights into material properties and thermomechanical performance

By using dual-screw extrusion and injection molding process, different polymeric composites based on the combination of polylactic acid and pectin were successfully developed. To enhance the performance of the developed materials, plasticization was carried out by using polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate. In the composite containing 15 wt% (weight) of pectin along with the plasticizer in 20 phr (per hundred resin), the elongation at break reached 23.6 %, accompanied by a limited reduction in tensile strength. The incorporation of the plasticizer played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the composites, as it effectively reduced the glass transition temperature (T g ), thereby promoting improvements in ductile properties at room temperature and also increasing the crystallization ability of the samples. The polymer composites underwent testing through various techniques, including assessments of thermomechanical, chemical, color, and water uptake properties. • The addition of Tween 40 and pectin increased the elongation at break to 23.6 %. • Tween 40 and pectin lowered the glass transition temperature of the composites. • Water absorption in PLA composites rose to 11 % due to the inclusion of Tween 40. • Pectin inclusion modified the color properties of PLA composites to warmer tones. • The thermal properties of the composites were altered by adding Tween 40 and pectin.