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High performance poly(lactic acid)/poly(ether-block-amide) blend-based bionanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes
Kartik Behera1, Bikash Mishra1, Mithilesh Yadav2
1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, ROC.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|August 29, 2024
Summary
This study developed high-performance bionanocomposites from poly(lactic acid) and poly(ether-block-amide) blends. Adding carbon nanotubes and organoclay significantly improved mechanical properties, thermal stability, and reduced flammability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) exhibits desirable properties but suffers from brittleness and flammability.
- Poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBA) can be blended with PLA to enhance its properties.
- Compatibilizers are crucial for improving the interaction between immiscible polymer blends like PLA and PEBA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate high-performance bionanocomposites using PLA/PEBA blends.
- To investigate the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and organoclay (30B) on the properties of compatibilized PLA/PEBA blends.
- To understand the influence of selective filler localization on composite performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLA/PEBA blend-based composites.
- Incorporation of a compatibilizer (ADR) to enhance PLA-PEBA interaction.
- Addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and organoclay (30B) individually and simultaneously.
- Characterization of morphology, mechanical properties, thermal stability, flammability, and electrical resistivity.
Main Results:
- CNTs dispersed in PEBA domains; 30B localized at PLA/PEBA interfaces.
- Significant improvements in PLA's ductility (up to 252%) and impact strength.
- Enhanced thermal stability (up to 16°C increase) and reduced flammability with anti-dripping properties.
- CNTs and 30B promoted crystallization of both PLA and PEBA, with CNTs showing higher nucleation efficiency.
- Electrical resistivity reduced by up to six orders of magnitude with CNT addition due to network formation.
Conclusions:
- Compatibilized PLA/PEBA bionanocomposites exhibit superior mechanical and thermal properties compared to neat PLA.
- Selective localization of CNTs and 30B is key to property enhancement.
- These bionanocomposites offer a promising route for developing advanced, sustainable materials with improved performance characteristics.
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