Poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) Matrix Composites Produced in One Step by In Situ Polymerization in TP-RTM

Poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) is a semicrystalline biopolymer of great interest due to its biosourced, biocompatible, and compostable nature. However, its brittleness prevents its use in a wide range of applications. In order to reinforce PLLA, it is often used in polymer blends or in composites. In this contribution, an unprecedented family of PLLA-based/glass fabric composites with poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) statistical copolymers as the matrix are reported. These biocomposites were produced in a one-step synthesis by in situ copolymerization of l-lactide and ε-caprolactone in the thermoplastic resin transfer molding (TP-RTM) process. These materials display high matrix/fabric wettability along with strong rubbery character.