Hydrolytic degradation and lifetime prediction of poly(lactic acid) modified with a multifunctional epoxy-based chain extender

The effect of adding chain extender (Cex) during the production of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) films on the hydrolytic degradation of the films was evaluated at temperatures from 40 to 95 °C. The hydrolytic degradation of PLA–Cex film estimated using the Pan model was significantly lower than that of neat PLA film (PLA–Con) at all temperature conditions. The Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher and Williams-Landel-Ferry models were used to study the hydrolytic...