Abstract: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and SEBS-g-MAH were mixed using a HAAKE rheometer. The mechanical properties, rheological properties and the microstructure of the obtained blends were investigated. It was shown that the tensile strength of the blends decreased, and the elongation at break increased with increasing SEBS-g-MAH content. When the loading of SEBS-g-MAH was 30 %, the impact strength of the blend was 2.5 times that of neat PLA. The melt viscosity of the blends decreased with increasing SEBS-g-MAH content. SEM showed that the MAH groups on the interface compatibilized the two components.

Key words: poly(lactide acid), maleic anhydride grafed styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene copolymer, toughening, mechanical property, rheological behavior