Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Graphene Nanocomposites

Abstract

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is an interesting material as an environmentally-friendly replacement of petroleum-based polymers. However, some properties need improvements in order to commercially utilized PLA. In this work, graphene is used as a reinforcing filler and poly(vinyl alcohol) is used as a carrier to enhance dispersion of graphene in PLA matrix. The addition of graphene aims at improving the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA. The functional groups of graphene were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical property testing was performed using a universal testing machine. The thermal properties were measured through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). As a result, the Young’s modulus and the thermal properties of PLA composites increased as the amount of graphene in the composites increased due to improved dispersion of graphene in PLA matrix.