how to make improve ductility of PLA?

PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable and renewable thermoplastic that is widely used in various applications such as 3D printing, packaging, and biomedical implants. However, PLA is generally known to be relatively brittle and can be prone to cracking or breaking under stress. Here are some ways to make PLA more ductile:

1. Blending with other polymers: Blending PLA with other polymers such as VinylAcetate Ethylene powder (VAE DPP/resins), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene oxide (PEO), or polybutylene succinate (PBS) can improve its ductility. These polymers have lower glass transition temperatures and better elongation properties than PLA, which can make the resulting blend more flexible.
2. Adding plasticizers: Plasticizers such as glycerol, sorbitol, or citric acid can increase the flexibility and ductility of PLA. These small molecules can disrupt the packing of PLA chains and lower its glass transition temperature, which makes the material more rubbery.
3. Using toughening agents: Toughening agents such as core-shell rubber particles or nano-clay can improve the toughness and ductility of PLA. These agents can act as energy absorbers and prevent crack propagation in the material.
4. Increasing molecular weight: Increasing the molecular weight of PLA can improve its toughness and ductility. This can be achieved by using different polymerization techniques or adding chain extenders to the PLA synthesis process.
5. Annealing: Annealing is a post-processing technique that involves heating the PLA material to a specific temperature and then cooling it slowly. This can improve the crystallinity and molecular orientation of the material, which can enhance its mechanical properties, including ductility.

It is important to note that the optimal approach to improving the ductility of PLA may vary depending on the specific application and requirements of the material.