Preparation of an enhanced nanohybrid alloy based on polylactic acid/polycarbonate/nanosilica

ABSTRACT

In order to enhance properties of polylactic acid (PLA), its blend with polycarbonate (PC) and silica nanofiller were prepared and their properties were compared with neat PLA and PLA/PC alloy. To have a better exchange reaction between PLA and PC and also an enhanced dispersion of nanosilica throughout the organic polymeric matrix, tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (TEH) and poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PEGM) were used as two different compatibilisers for the transesterification reactions between PLA, PC and nanosilica and chemical grafting of PEGM to PLA, PC and nanosilica. Performed analyses including X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, melt flow index, tensile and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that although PEGM, which contains reactive epoxide groups, has a positive effect to promote the properties of its related nanohybrid, the best results were obtained in the presence of TEH as an effective coordination catalyst. Results showed that an enhanced industrial nanocomposite alloy can be fabricated with this efficient catalyst.

KEYWORDS:

• PLA
• PC
• nanosilica
• mechanical properties
• nanocomposite
• blend

Disclosure statement

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