Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable aliphatic polymer obtained from renewable sources; its main application is in the packaging sector. Electronic components require the use of antistatic packaging that prevents damage and electric shock. As PLA has no conductive characteristics, it requires the addition of allotropic carbon forms such as conductive carbon black to make the polymer less resistive as the dissipative material and making it suitable for the manufacture of antistatic packaging. In this study, PLA was melt blended with 5, 10, and 15 wt % of carbon black. The composites were prepared using a high‐speed mixer. Samples were characterized by Izod impact resistance tests, scanning electron microscopy, thermal properties, electrical characterization, and biodegradation tests in garden soil. The addition of carbon black in the PLA matrix increases the temperature of degradation and decreases the crystallinity degree and the impact resistance of the composites. However, carbon black is a great option to increase the electrical conductivity of PLA. The addition of carbon black in PLA makes the composite less resistive and suitable for use as antistatic packaging for the transportation and storage of electronic components. Furthermore, this composite does not cause damage to the environment as the carbon black does not interfere in the degradation mechanism of PLA. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47273.

Antistatic packaging is used for the protection and storage of electronic boards and sensitive electronic components. Different polyolefins can be used for the production of antistatic packaging; however, the accumulation of static electricity in these polyolefins may cause serious damage to the electronic components. In this study, since glassy carbon (GC) has good mechanical properties and electrical characteristics, it was used as an antistatic filler and blended with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). Composites of LDPE with GC in different proportions were prepared in the molten state using a homogenizer rotating at 3000 rpm. The composites were characterized in terms of thermal, mechanical, structural, and electrical properties. The GC is well dispersed and distributed in the LDPE, which contributed to the formation of a percolated network that enhanced antistatic characteristic. An increase of two orders of magnitudes in the electrical conductivity was obtained for the composite with 0.5 wt % of GC and thus it can be used as antistatic packaging. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47204.

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Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were covalently functionalized with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) chains, through esterification reaction. Thereunto, pristine MWCNT (P-MWCNT) were oxidized (MWCNT-COOH) and posteriorly reduced (MWCNT-OH). MWCNT-OH were used to produce MWCNT functionalized with PHBV chains (MWCNT-PHBV). All functionalized MWCNT were used to produce PHBV nanocomposites films with 0.5 wt% by solution casting. Functionalization was evaluated by Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetry (TGA), and nanocomposites were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction and contact angle measurements. Results showed that functionalization with PHBV chains was successfully performed and that the polymer chains were attached to MWCNT surface, as expected.

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