International Journal of Advanced Research and Development

Authors
Poonam

Abstract
Rheology is a branch of physics that deals with the deformation and flow of matter under stress. It is particularly concerned with the properties of matter that determine its behaviour when a mechanical force is exerted on it. Rheology is distinguished from fluid dynamics because it is concerned with the three traditional states of matters rather than only liquid and gases. Rheological properties have important implications in many and diverse applications. Often, an additive is used to impart the desired flow behaviour. In this study, blends of biodegradable Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and Polycaprolactone (PCL), were prepared using Hakee Rheomix and characterized for rheological and mechanical properties. Morphology of tensile fractured surfaces was examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The blends of PLA/PCL exhibited an increase in percentage of elongation, impact toughness, and decrease in strength, when compared to that of neat PLA. Among the various blend proportions considered in this work, 80/20% PLA/PCL blend exhibited the highest elongation and impact strength. Rheological results revealed that PCL had higher melt elasticity and viscosity than PLA, and the melt elasticity and viscosity of the blends increased with the concentration of PCL.