Synergistic effects of modified TiO₂/multifunctionalized graphene oxide nanosheets as functional hybrid nanofiller in enhancing the interface compatibility of PLA/starch nanocomposites

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the synergistic effects of modified TiO2/multifunctionalized graphene oxide nanosheets at different ratios on the interface compatibility between starch and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). To this end, silanylated nano‐TiO2 (MTiO2, 1 and 2%) and alkylated maleic anhydride grafted graphene oxide (f‐GO, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4%) at different combinations are blended with the PLA‐starch composites using solution blending technique. Then, the synergistic effects of MTiO2 and f‐GO on PLA/starch matrix are investigated in terms of the morphology, crystallinity, structural characterization, thermal stability, dynamic mechanical, and antiaging properties, and the related mechanisms. The Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra verify the successful synthesis of the two modified nanofillers (f‐GO and MTiO2) and the formation of strong hydrogen bond within the PLA‐starch nanocomposites. Due to the strong interfacial interaction and the synergistic effect from the combination of 1% MTiO2 and 0.2% f‐GO, obvious improvement was observed in PLA‐starch versus other nanocomposites in terms of morphology, thermal stability, surface hydrophobicity, storage modulus, ultraviolet‐shielding capacity, and aging‐resistance. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), isothermal crystallization kinetic, and X‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrate that f‐GO and the M‐TiO2 significantly synergize in enhancing the crystallization rate and crystallinity of PLA/starch matrix. These results provide novel insights for constructing high‐performance nanocomposites and facilitate their applications in food packaging.

Degradable flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator based on two-dimensional barium titanate nanosheets and polylactic acid

“…This may be due to the interfacial interaction of the carbonyl group of the polymer chain (-CQOÁ Á ÁOQC-) with the 2D BT. 37 With an increase in the BT content, there is an increase in the intensity of the absorption peak of the methyl group of the nanocomposite, which could be due to the PLA methyl group interacting with the inorganic particles, resulting in a change in the dipole moment of the PLA. 38,39 To observe the dispersion of BT in the PLA film, the surface morphology of the nanocomposite film was characterised by SEM, with the image shown in Fig.…”

Titanium Dioxide: Structure, Impact, and Toxicity

“…Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are part of the top five nanoparticles used in industry [12], owing to their versatility in applications-as photocatalysts [5], in pharmaceuticals [13,14], processed foods [15][16][17][18] and household products [13,17,19], cosmetic white pigments [17,18], fabrics [18], and paints, and sunscreens [19].…”

“…This ability enhances the sun protection factor (SPF) of sun creams, a measure of dermal shielding against photodamage [28][29][30]. Moreover, nano-titania's photoprotective behaviour [28], coupled with its ability to preserve aliments [31], have seen a multitude of applications in the food industry [15,16,31].…”

“…Titania's high refractive index and reactivity towards UV light [1] are remarkable properties not only in the sunscreen industry, but also in food processing [15,16,31,[70][71][72]. The oxide's nanoform has been developed for use in packaging light-sensitive food products [15], to ensure food durability. In this regard, merging TiO 2 nanoparticles and biopolymers has given rise to "Active Food Packaging (AFP)" [72][73][74].…”

“…Overall, merging TiO2 and biomaterials prolongs food storage, while preventing health hazards associated with contaminated food [71][72][73]80]. In addition, chitosan's biodegradable polysaccharide structure [70] lowers the environmental footprint specific of conventional, artificial packaging [15,72,73].…”