Polylactide/Polyethylene/Organoclay Blend Nanocomposites: Structure, Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Abstract

Structure and physical properties of PLA/PE/organoclay with and without compatibilizer (PE-g-MA) with PLA as a matrix phase were investigated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, rheometric mechanical spectrometer, thermal gravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and Mechanical experiments. Two types of compatibilized-blend nanocomposites were prepared by two feeding orders: (1) simultaneous feeding, (2) PLA/organoclay-based master batch. The XRD results showed an intercalated structure for nanocomposites. The mechanical results demonstrated that presence of PE and compatibilizer improved the elongation at break, while organoclay enhanced Young's modulus. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that organoclays could retard the thermal decomposition process in the nanocomposites.