Preparation and characterization of perlite filled poly(lactic acid) composites

In recent years, ecological pollution, which is important for the balance of the world, has reached palpable dimensions as climate change, leading humanity to environmentally friendly, sustainable raw materials and processes. Since the fact that polymers, one of the most widely used raw materials in the world, can be recycled or degraded in nature in a short time can significantly reduce the damage to nature, manufacturers are taking initiatives to develop such products in line with the demand from consumers. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), one of the most consumed biodegradable polymers in the market, is also one of the most researched biopolymers in the scientific arena. PLA can be used in the development of products in different forms such as plastic parts, films or fibers by techniques such as injection and extrusion. Although PLA is an environmentally friendly polymer, there are various problems especially in film production due to its rigid structure. To minimize this disadvantage, the preparation of PLA blends or plasticization of PLA are the most preferred methods. Perlite is a natural mineral based on amorphous volcanic silica with high water content. When exposed to heat, the aluminosilicate structure expands and its density decreases due to the removal of water in its structure. The presence of perlite deposits in our country makes this product more sustainable. Perlite, which can be produced in different sizes, can be used in different industries from food to construction, agriculture to polymers. The aim of this study is to produce and characterize PLA composites with increased flexibility and produced with sustainable natural materials. In this context, glycerol-plasticized PLA and unplasticized PLA composites were prepared using perlite, a natural additive, and their morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties were investigated.