PLA nanocomposites containing 2 wt% of OMMT clay were prepared using twin screw extruder followed by injection moulding. EPR-g-MAH (5–20 phr) was used to improve the impact properties of PLA/OMMT nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of PLA nanocomposites were studied through tensile, flexural and impact tests. The morphology and dispersion of OMMT were examined using TEM and XRD. The thermal properties were characterised using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The impact strength and thermal stability of the PLA/OMMT nanocomposites were improved significantly in the presence of EPR-g-MAH. The degree of crystallinity of PLA/OMMT was influenced by the loading of EPR-g-MAH. TEM and XRD results revealed the formation of PLA nanocomposites as the OMMT was exfoliated in the presence of EPR-g-MAH.
HapuarachchiTDPeijsT. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes and sepiolite nanoclays as flame retardants for polylactide and its natural fibre reinforced composites. Composites Part A2010; 41(8): 954–963.
6.
ChowWSBakarAAMohd IshakZA. Effect of maleic anhydride-grafted ethylene-propylene rubber on the mechanical, rheological and morphological properties of organoclay reinforced polyamide 6/polypropylene nanocomposites. Eur Polym J2005; 41: 687–696.
7.
ChowWSLokSK. Effect of EPM-g-MAH on the flexural and morphological properties of poly(lactic acid)/organo-montmorillonite nanocomposites. J Thermoplast Compos Mater2008; 21: 265–277.
LeuYYMohd IshakZAChowWS. Mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of injection molded poly(lactic acid)/SEBS-g-MAH/organo-montmorillonite nanocomposites. J Appl Polym Sci2012; 124: 1200–1207.
10.
ChowWSLeuYYMohd IshakZA. Effects of SEBS-g-MAH on the properties of injection moulded poly(lactic acid)/nano-calcium carbonate composites. Express Polym Lett2012; 6: 503–510.
11.
RaySSOkamotoM. Biodegradable polylactide and its nanocomposites: opening a new dimension for plastics and composites. Macromol Rapid Commun2003; 24: 815–840.
12.
GarlottaD. A literature review of poly(lactic acid). J Polym Environ2002; 9: 63–84.
13.
ZhouQXanthosM. Nanosize and microsize clay effects on the kinetics of the thermal degradation of polylactides. Polym Degrad Stab2009; 94: 327–338.
14.
PavlidouSPapaspyridesCD. A review on polymer–layered silicate nanocomposites. Prog Polym Sci2008; 33: 1119–1198.
15.
KoshCCOvid’koIASealS. Structural nanocrystalline materials: fundamentals and applications, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007.
16.
RaySSYamadaKOkamotoM. New polylactide-layered silicate nanocomposites. 2. Concurrent improvements of material properties, biodegradability and melt rheology. Polymer2003; 44: 857–866.
17.
DominkovicsZMoczoJPukanszkyBInterfacial interaction in layered silicate polymer nanocomposites. In: ThomasSZaikovGE (eds). Polymer nanocomposite research advances, New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc, 2008, pp. 5–48.
18.
ContrerasVCafieroMSilvaSD. Characterization and tensile properties of ternary blends with PA-6 nanocomposites. Polym Eng Sci2006; 46(8): 1111–1120.
19.
Di LorenzoML. Calorimetric analysis of the multiple melting behavior of poly(L-lactic acid). J Appl Polym Sci2006; 100: 3145–3151.
20.
CalafelMIRemiroPMCortázarMM. Cold crystallization and multiple melting behavior of poly(l-lactide) in homogeneous and in multiphasic epoxy blends. Colloid Polym Sci2010; 288: 283–296.
21.
PanPInoueY. Polymorphism and isomorphism in biodegradable polyesters. Prog Polym Sci2009; 34: 605–640.
22.
SarasuaJRPrud’hommeREWisniewskiM. Stereoselective crystallization and specific interactions in polylactides. Macromolecules1998; 31: 3895–3905.
23.
PanPKaiWZhuB. Polymorphous crystallization and multiple melting behavior of poly(L-lactide): molecular weight dependence. Macromolecules2007; 40: 6898–6905.
