Extruded PLA Nanocomposites Modified by Graphene Oxide and Ionic Liquid

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with limitations in thermal and mechanical properties.
• Enhancing PLA processability is crucial for its wider industrial applications.
• Nanomaterials and additives offer potential solutions for modifying polymer behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of graphene oxide (GO) and ionic liquid (IL) on PLA-based nanocomposites.
• To evaluate the impact of these additives on the viscoelastic properties and processability of PLA.
• To explore the combined influence of GO and IL on PLA nanocomposite characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of PLA nanocomposites via twin-screw extrusion.
• Characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
• Evaluation of viscoelastic behavior through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and rheological measurements.

Main Results:

• Ionic liquid (IL) acted as an internal lubricant, increasing PLA chain mobility in solid and rubbery states.
• The lubricating effect of IL was less pronounced in the molten state.
• Simultaneous addition of GO and IL resulted in quasi-Newtonian viscosity behavior at high temperatures.
• Overall processability of PLA was significantly improved with the combined GO and IL treatment.

Conclusions:

• Graphene oxide and ionic liquid are effective additives for enhancing polylactic acid nanocomposite properties.
• The combination of GO and IL synergistically improves PLA's melt processability.
• These findings offer a pathway for developing advanced PLA-based materials with improved performance and manufacturability.