The properties investigations of PLA/TiO₂ and PLA/doped-TiO₂ composites films

ABSTRACT

This research aims to study the mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of composite films made from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂). The samples were fabricated by solution casting method with different content of TiO₂. Furthermore, the doped-TiO₂ addition was also comparatively investigated. The SEM results revealed the non-uniform distribution of the fillers. DSC and XRD results evidenced the PLA crystallization due to the fillers acting as the nucleating agent. Moreover, the fillers addition improved the Young’s modulus but decreased tensile strength and elongation at break. The composites dielectric constant was enhanced by fillers addition in all samples.

KEYWORDS:

• composites film
• mechanical properties, dielectric properties
• Poly(lactic acid)
• titanium dioxide

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin. The authors are also greatly thankful Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) for funding support.

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI).

Notes on contributors

Narit Triamnak

Narit Triamnak, Asst. Prof. Dr. is now a faculty member at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. He has strong experiences in materials characterizations and properties investigations. His research interest involves structural-related properties of materials, especially, semiconductors.

Supakij Suttiruengwong

Supakij Suttiruengwong, Assoc. Prof. Dr.-Ing. is now a lecturer at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. He has strong experiences in both industry and academic researches. His research interest involves Bioplastics compounds, End-of-life options for bioplastics. Bioplastics applications and Circular economy for plastics.

Naratip Vittayakorn

Naratip Vittayakorn is a Professor of Materials Science at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand. He has strong experiences in nanoparticle synthesis, electronic materials, triboelectric nanogenerator and piezoelectric materials. His research interest involves a hybrid piezo/tribo nanogenerator and multilayer cellulose film for the flexible sensor.

Sutinee Girdthep

Sutinee Girdthep Asst. Prof. Dr. is now a lecturer at Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. She is an expert in materials, polymers, material characterization, thin films and nanotechnology.

Rattikarn Khankrua

Rattikarn Khankrua, Asst. Prof. Dr. is a lecturer at the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. She experiences in polymer blends, composites, bioplastics and polymer reaction.