Properties of Composites Based on Polylactide Filled with Cork Filler

Abstract

Introducing fillers into polymeric materials is one of the methods of modifying the properties or reducing the costs of polymeric materials. Thanks to their use, it is possible to obtain new materials with interesting mechanical and chemical properties. Some features are often improved among the new materials obtained, while others deteriorate. In this work, an attempt was made to obtain a polymer composite based on PLA filled with cork flour in amounts of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% by weight. The processing and sample preparation process using injection molding technology was assessed and the basic mechanical properties were assessed. The research shows that it is possible to obtain PLA products with a cork filler without the mixing process on an extruder, but only by using an injection molding machine and appropriately selecting the parameters of the technological process. Tests of mechanical properties showed deterioration of parameters, but not to such an extent that the obtained composites were disqualified from use in products that are not subject to heavy mechanical loads. The undoubted advantage of the obtained materials is maintaining their so-called “green” character and thus the ability to biodegrade.