Reported herein is the impact of glycidol-free chain extenders on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to enhance its mechanical properties. Gel permeation chromatography characterization confirmed the molecular weight (M_w) of the chain extenders as well as the chain-extended PLA samples. Tensile properties, such as elongation, modulus, and impact strength, were evaluated for the chain-extended PLA and compared with those of a commercial chain extender. Thermal characteristics of the chain-extended PLA were measured by using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The complex viscosity and storage modulus for chain-extended PLA were also determined. Cost analysis and CO₂ emission estimates are conducted for the new chain extenders and are compared with commercial chain extenders. Overall, chain extenders are likely to offer economic, health, and environmental benefits.

中文翻译：

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作为聚乳酸扩链剂的不含缩水甘油的脂肪族共聚物及其成本和碳排放评估

本文报道了不含缩水甘油的扩链剂对聚乳酸 (PLA) 的影响，以增强其机械性能。凝胶渗透色谱表征证实了扩链剂以及扩链 PLA 样品的分子量 ( M _w )。对扩链 PLA 的拉伸性能（如伸长率、模量和冲击强度）进行了评估，并与商业扩链剂进行了比较。通过热重分析和差示扫描量热法测量了扩链PLA的热特性。还测定了扩链 PLA 的复数粘度和储能模量。对新型扩链剂进行了成本分析和CO ₂排放估算，并与商用扩链剂进行了比较。总体而言，扩链剂可能会带来经济、健康和环境效益。