Poly(lactic acid)/layered silicate nanocomposite films: Morphology, mechanical properties, and effects of γ‐radiation

Abstract

Poly(Lactic acid) (PLA)-layered silicate nanocomposite films were prepared by solvent casting method. The films were irradiated with Co 60 radiation facility at dose of 30 kGy. The effect of c irradiation on mechanical properties of the neat PLA and nanocomposites was evaluated by data obtained from tensile testing measurements. The tensile strength of the irradiated PLA films increased with addition of 1 wt % triallyl cyanurate indicating crosslink formation. Significant ductile behavior was observed in the PLA nanocomposites containing 4 pph of nanoclay. Incorporation of nanoclay particles in the PLA matrix stimulated crystal growth as it was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The morphology of the nanocomposites characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction revealed an exfoliated morphology in the PLA nanocomposite films containing 4 pph of nanoclay. Only very small changes were observed in the chemical structure of the irradiated samples as it was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Unexpected effects in non crystalline materials exposed to X-ray radiation

“…In the Vacuum UltraViolet (VUV) wavelength range damage is often encountered [17][18][19][20] and even used as a fabrication method in lithography [21,22]. γ-rays are used as a method to induce cross linking in polymeric systems [23][24][25] or as a biological sterilization method which intrinsically implies radiation damage [26,27]. In this text we will limit ourselves to the photon energy range which is commonly used in techniques such as powder diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and SAXS/WAXS.…”

Gamma radiation induced property modification of poly(lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite bio-nanocomposites

“…Despite many good properties, having a low toughness limits PLA use in applications which need higher mechanical strength. The mechanical performance of PLA can be enhanced by incorporation of nano‐sized particles such as organically modified layered silicate and nano‐hydroxyapatite . Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the most biocompatible synthetic substance used in hard tissue engineering.…”

Radiation Processing of Polymer-based Nanomaterials

“…It showed that the gloss of the PCN films decreased, and fracture toughness and hardness of PCN films improved with the incorporation of the clay in the PCN coatings. Dadbin et al [86] have also prepared poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-layered silicate nanocomposite films by solved casting method.The films were irradiated with 60 Co radiation facility at dose of 30kGy.The tensile strength of the irradiated PLA films increased withadditin of 1 wt% triallyl cyanurate indicating crosslink formation. Significant ductile behavior was observed in the PLA nanocomposites containing pph of nanoclay.…”