(201e) Effect of Processing Parameters on Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Plla Using Micro-Injection Molding

Using micro-injection molding as a processing method, the effect of injection speed and mold temperature on the in-mold crystallization of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is investigated. Test bars were micro-molded at injection speeds of 50 mm/s up to 600 mm/s, keeping the mold cavity temperature during filling at 30 and 100 oC. Differential scanning calorimetry and wide angle X-ray diffraction were used to assess the structure development during processing. Tensile tests were also carried out to determine the elastic modulus as a function of the molding conditions.