Recent advances in metal oxide/polylactic acid nanocomposites and their applications

ABSTRACT

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer synthesized from renewable raw material. It has numerous biomedical applications and is a promising substitute for petroleum based packaging material. Metal oxides, traditionally used as fillers in polymers, are finding novel applications in their nanoform. In this review we summarize recent researches in PLA/ metal oxide nanocomposite synthesis and their applications. Literature related to oxides of zinc, titanium, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and cerium etc. is discussed. Effect of metal oxide on the thermal and mechanical properties of PLA along with valuable antibacterial, magnetic and catalytic properties is explored.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Poly lactic acid
• metal oxides
• nanocomposites
• applications
• biodegradable polymer

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to, Inflibnet Gandhinagar for library facilities, to UGC, New Delhi for BSR fellowship to Anuradha Rathore.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anuradha Rathore

Dr. Anuradha Rathore has obtained Ph.D degree from Gujarat University in the year 2018. Her research is mainly focused on synthesis and characterisation of aliphatic polyester/ metal oxide nanocomposites.

Dipen Shah

Dr. Dipen Shah received his Ph. D. (2016) under the supervision of Dr Harjinder Kaur from Gujarat University, Ahmedabad. Currently, he is working as an assistant professor in Shri T. S. Patel P. G. Science College, Ambaliyara, Bayad, Gujarat (India). His research interests are in the area of advanced nanomaterials, catalysis, Microwave assisted organic synthesis and green chemistry.

Harjinder Kaur

Dr. Harjinder Kaur is Senior faculty at the Department of Chemistry, Gujarat University. A passionate teacher, she has more than 20 years of experience in teaching and research. She has been awarded JRF and SRF by UGC, CSIR research associateship and INSA summer research fellowship. Her research interests are Nanotechnology, Polymer resins, Hybrid materials, supported metal nanoparticles with focus on green and sustainable organic synthesis using nanocatalysts. She has so far guided 5 Ph. D. and 8 M. Phil. students; more than 35 research papers in reputed international journals and has completed minor and major research projects from UGC, GUJCOST and DST, Nanomission.