Segmental Mobility, Interfacial Polymer, Crystallization and Conductivity Study in Polylactides Filled with Hybrid...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with potential for sustainable applications.
• Developing conductive PLA composites is crucial for advanced manufacturing like printed electronics.
• Hybrid fillers combining natural and nanomaterials offer unique properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the properties of polylactide (PLA)-based composites filled with hybrid lignin-carbon nanotube (CNTs) particles.
• To evaluate the synergistic effect of lignin and CNTs on the electrical conductivity and thermal properties of PLA.
• To explore the potential of these composites for sustainable conductive printing inks and printed electronics.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PLA composites with varying contents of hybrid lignin-CNTs, lignin alone, and CNTs alone.
• Characterization using thermal analysis (calorimetry) and dielectric spectroscopy.
• Evaluation of electrical conductivity and crystallization behavior.

Main Results:

• Hybrid lignin-CNTs in PLA created conductive networks at low CNT content (3 wt%), unlike PLA/lignin or PLA/CNTs composites.
• A synergistic effect between lignin and CNTs was observed, lowering the percolation threshold.
• An interfacial PLA layer with restricted mobility was detected, increasing with particle content.
• Hybrid particles promoted crystal nucleation in PLA without altering the crystallizable fraction.
• Glass transition temperature slightly decreased, while melting temperature remained stable, indicating processability.

Conclusions:

• Eco-friendly conductive PLA composites with hybrid lignin-CNTs exhibit synergistic behavior, enabling electrical conductivity.
• These composites demonstrate potential as sustainable materials for printed electronics and conductive inks.
• The study highlights the successful integration of natural and nanomaterials for enhanced composite performance.