Preparation and properties of novel thermoplastic vulcanizate based on bio-based polyester/polylactic acid, and its application in 3D printing

Thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) combines the high elasticity of elastomers and excellent processability of thermoplastics. Novel bio-based TPV based on poly (lactide) (PLA) and poly (1,4-butanediol/2,3-butanediol/succinate/itaconic acid) (PBBSI) were prepared in this research. PBBSI copolyesters were synthesized by melting polycondensation, and the molecular weights, chemical structures and compositions of the copolyesters were characterized by GPC, NMR and FTIR. Bio-based 2,3-butanediol was successfully incorporated to depress the crystallization behavior of the PBBSI copolyester. With an increase of 2,3-butanediol content, the PBBSI copolyester transformed from a rigid plastic to a soft elastomer. Furthermore, the obtained TPV has good elasticity and rheological properties, which means it can be applied as a 3D-printing material.