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Development of Surface-Coated Polylactic Acid/Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PLA/PHA) Nanocomposites
J J Relinque1, A S de León2,3, J Hernández-Saz4
1Departamento de Ciencia de los Materiales e I.M. y Q. I., IMEYMAT, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Río San Pedro s/n, 11510 Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain. josejavier.relinque@uca.es.
Polymers
|April 10, 2019
Summary
Biodegradable nanocomposites using Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) were developed with Graphite NanoPlatelets (GNP) or silver nanoparticles (AgNP). These surface-modified materials exhibit enhanced mechanical and thermal properties, with AgNP versions showing potential as SERS substrates.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Biodegradable polymers like Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) are crucial for sustainable materials.
- Developing advanced polymer nanocomposites requires effective methods for incorporating nanofillers without compromising bulk properties.
- Surface modification techniques are essential for creating functionalized nanocomposites with tailored properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop novel biodegradable nanocomposites using PLA and PHA.
- To functionalize the surface of these polymers with Graphite NanoPlatelets (GNP) or silver nanoparticles (AgNP).
- To evaluate the mechanical, thermal, and optical properties of the resulting nanocomposites.
Main Methods:
- Nanocomposites were synthesized via mechanical mixing with low filler content (<0.10 wt %).
- Surface modification was confirmed using optical and focused ion beam microscopy.
- Material processability was assessed through injection molding, followed by mechanical and thermal characterization.
- Optical activity and suitability for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) were investigated using Raman spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Nanocomposites exhibited selective surface modification, leaving the bulk polymer matrix unaffected.
- Enhanced Young's modulus and yield strength were observed compared to unmodified polymers.
- Improved thermal properties were noted in the nanocomposite materials.
- Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) coated nanocomposites demonstrated optical activity, enhancing Raman spectra resolution.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanocomposites offer improved mechanical and thermal performance due to surface functionalization.
- The selective surface modification preserves the bulk properties of the biodegradable polymers.
- AgNP-coated nanocomposites show significant promise as effective substrates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS).
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