Silver ion beam irradiation effects on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/clay nanocomposites

Abstract

Swift heavy ions induced modification of thin films of blends of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) (50:50) with organically modified nanoclay (Cloisite Ò 30B) has been studied, using optical, structural and surface morphological analysis. Presence of nanoclay is found to enhance the properties of this degradable copolymer by reducing the rate of degradation even at high irradiation fluence. Optical and structural analysis of the polymer nanocomposites suggests that both the cross-linking and chain scission phenomenon are caused by swift heavy ion irradiation. XRD measurements show intercalation of PLGA in the clay galleries. Surface morphology of a nanocomposite indicates significant changes after irradiation at various fluences.