Tuning crystallization and hydrolytic degradation behaviors of poly(lactic acid) by using silver phosphate, zinc oxide and their nano-hybrids

ABSTRACT

The promising potential of silver phosphate (Ag₃PO₄) nanoparticles is shown in improving the properties of polylactic acid (PLA) by preparing PLA/Ag₃PO₄, PLA/ZnO and PLA/Ag₃PO₄/ZnO nanocomposites. The dispersion quality of nanoparticles was significantly improved once the nano-hybrids were used. It was found that Ag₃PO₄ acts as efficient nucleating agents in the solution-induced crystallization. Generally, ZnO was not as efficient as Ag₃PO₄ in improving the PLA crystallinity. Hydrolytic degradation experiments revealed that Ag₃PO₄ could notably retard the degradation process while it was accelerated in the presence of ZnO. Therefore, Ag₃PO₄ and ZnO would be desirable for long- and short-life biological applications, respectively.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Nanocomposites
• polylactic acid
• crystallization
• hydrolytic degradation

Conflict of interest

None is declared.

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Notes on contributors

Hamed Rashidi

Hamed Rashidi is currently an assistant professor of chemical engineering in the Islamic Azad University of Shahrood. He obtained his Ph.D. from the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. His research interests are chemical and process engineering, including material synthesis for catalytic applications, design, simulation and optimization of various chemical processes, synthesis of composite catalysts and novel nanoparticles.

Behnaz Najaf Oshani

Behnaz Najaf Oshani has obtained her Master's degree from the Islamic Azad University of Shahrood. Her M.Sc. thesis was on the design and preparation of multicomponent nanocomposites based on biobased plastics.

Iman Hejazi

Iman Hejazi has attained his Ph.D. from the Amirkabir University of Technology. He is currently a member of ASN ARKA Research Group. His research interests include the design of polymeric nanocomposites, surface modification, and biobased plastics.

Javad Seyfi

Javad Seyfi is an assistant professor of chemical engineering in the Islamic Azad University of Shahrood. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Tehran. His research interests include the surface modification of polymers, nanocomposite characterization, and biodegradable plastics.