The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

With the global push for sustainability, efforts have accelerated in developing polymer composites using biodegradable PLA. Despite its eco-friendliness, PLA’s brittleness limits industrial applications, prompting research into enhancing its mechanical strength. This study investigates the use of Bottlebrush copolymers as compatibilizers to improve the performance of PLA/PCL blends. Owing to their dense side chains and tunable structures, Bottlebrush copolymers were synthesized to promote better interfacial dispersion and reduce phase separation between PLA and PCL. We systematically varied the degree of polymerization, side-chain length, and molecular architecture to examine their influence on mechanical properties. Improvements in miscibility and ductility were evaluated using universal testing machines, IZOD impact tests, and transmission electron microscopy, demonstrating the potential of Bottlebrush structures in overcoming the brittleness of PLA-based composites.