MWCNTs-Reinforced Epoxidized Linseed Oil Plasticized Polylactic Acid Nanocomposite and Its Electroactive Shape Memory Behaviour

Abstract

A novel electroactive shape memory polymer nanocomposite of epoxidized linseed oil plasticized polylactic acid and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared by a combination of solution blending, solvent cast technique, and hydraulic hot press moulding. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) was first plasticized by epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) in order to overcome the major limitations of PLA, such as high brittleness, low toughness, and low tensile elongation. Then, MWCNTs were incorporated into the ELO plasticized PLA matrix at three different loadings (2, 3 and 5 wt. %), with the aim of making the resulting nanocomposites electrically conductive. The addition of ELO decreased glass transition temperature, and increased the elongation and thermal degradability of PLA, as shown in the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile test, and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to observe surface morphology, topography, and the dispersion of MWCNTs in the nanocomposite. Finally, the electroactive-shape memory effect (electroactive-SME) in the resulting nanocomposite was investigated by a fold-deploy “U”-shape bending test. As per the results, the addition of both ELO and MWCNTs to PLA matrix seemed to enhance its overall properties with a great deal of potential in improved shape memory. The 3 wt. % MWCNTs-reinforced nanocomposite system, which showed 95% shape recovery within 45 s at 40 DC voltage, is expected to be used as a preferential polymeric nanocomposite material in various actuators, sensors and deployable devices.

Plasticizing effect of biobased epoxidized fatty acid esters on mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)

“…For these reasons, it is the selected candidate for a wide variety of applications as, in addition, it is shiny and transparent, moisture and fat resistant and offers similar flavor and odor barrier properties to poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET. All these features makes PLA highly useful for food packaging [1,2].…”

“…This was attributed to an increase in polymer chain mobility due to the internal lubricating effect provided by the plasticizer [38]. Finally, Alam J. et al studied the effect of epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) on mechanical performance of PLA with addition of carbon nanotubes; addition of ELO led to an increase in elongation at break, a reduction of the Tg and a thermal stabilization effect [1].…”

Processing and characterization of high environmental efficiency composites based on PLA and hazelnut shell flour (HSF) with biobased plasticizers derived from epoxidized linseed oil (ELO)

“…as coupling agents with a noticeable reduction of fragility [38][39][40][41]. epoxidized sunflower oil (ESFO) to give high elongation at break to PLA (four times higher than unplasticized PLA) [23][24][25][42][43][44][45][46][47].…”

Mechanical and Flame-Retardant Properties of Nanocomposite Based on Epoxy Resin Combined with Epoxidized Linseed Oil, Which Has the Presence of Nanoclay and MWCNTs

“…Due to the low cost and environmental advantages of epoxidized vegetable oils, they have been synthesized for use as a new biodegradable polymer by many researchers [6][7][8][9]. Bisphenol F based epoxy resin (DGEBF) has been replaced by epoxyzed flaxseed oil with a content of 50% by weight, and 5% by weight of nanoclay was added [10]. e mixture including DGEBF and ELO was treated with methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) as a curing agent and 1-methylimidazole as an accelerator.…”