Toward “Green” Hybrid Materials: Core–Shell Particles with Enhanced Impact Energy Absorbing Ability

Abstract

Restrained properties of “green” degradable products drive the creation of materials with innovative structures and retained eco-attributes. Herein, we introduce the creation of impact modifiers in the form of core–shell (CS) particles toward the creation of “green” composite materials. Particles with CS structure constituted of PLA stereocomplex (PLASC) and a rubbery phase of poly(ε-caprolactone-co-d,l-lactide) (P[CL-co-LA]) were successfully achieved by spray droplet atomization. A synergistic association of the soft P[CL-co-LA] and hard PLASC domains in the core–shell structure induced unique thermo-mechanical effects on the PLA-based composites. The core–shell particles enhanced the crystallization of PLA matrices by acting as nucleating agents. The core–shell particles functioned efficiently as impact modifiers with minimal effect on the composites stiffness and strength. These findings provide a new platform for scalable design of polymeric-based structures to be used in the creation of advanced degradable materials.

Development of sustainable biodegradable lignocellulosic hemp fiber/polycaprolactone biocomposites for light weight applications

“…The samples were fabricated alongside with others to determine the influence of aspect ratio on water absorption and mechanical and the performance of a hemp fiber/polycaprolactone (HF/PCL) biocomposites. This was a combination of a natural hemp fiber and innoxious biodegradable PCL polymer in order to produce a completely biodegradable ''green composite'', which is environmentally friendly, sustainable and renewable [14,25,33,34]. Fig.…”

“…Among the biobased matrices, an investigation into the falling weight impact response of jute/methacrylated soybean oil biocomposites under low-velocity impact loading was conducted [15]. Similarly, mechanical performances such as impact strength of PLAbased composite materials have been enhanced when reinforced with addition of carefully designed core-shell and inversed core-shell particles, increased twice than neat PLA matrix [25]. Furthermore, a recent comprehensive review undertaken by Pappu et al highlighted the industrial potential of renewable and biodegradable banana reinforcements.…”

Self-nanofibrillation strategy to an unusual combination of strength and toughness for poly(lactic acid)

“…However, it is still challenging to simultaneously satisfy all the four requirements, despite some notable efforts made recently. [18][19][20][21] As an endeavor to simultaneous promotion of strength and toughness for PLA, we conceptualize the crystal-directed nano-brillation approach amenable to industrial production based on common processing techniques, strategically involving (1) isothermal annealing at 120 C for 30 min to foster PLA crystals, (2) intensive extrusion at 165 C to partially melt the lessordered crystals, combined with strong shear ow to rene the crystalline domains, and (3) melt stretching with high drawing ratios to sufficiently orient the chains crosslinked by ne crystal blocks, readying the crystal-directed nanobrillation along the ow eld ( Fig. 1a).…”

Core–Shell Starch Nanoparticles and Their Toughening of Polylactide

“…Recently, the designing and using functional core–shell particles has become a route to improve the properties of materials. Core–shell particles combine the properties of the core and the shell, where the surface properties of the shell are translated to the core, imparting new functionality to the final structure, causing a synergistic effect . Thus, creation and usage of core–shell NPs to toughen/enhance polymers may become an effective fabrication method of obtaining robust and stretchable soft materials.…”

“…Core−shell particles combine the properties of the core and the shell, where the surface properties of the shell are translated to the core, imparting new functionality to the final structure, causing a synergistic effect. 11 Thus, creation and usage of core−shell NPs to toughen/enhance polymers may become an effective fabrication method of obtaining robust and stretchable soft materials. For instance, Chen et al 12 prepared PLA composites with balanced stiffness and tough- ness based on "soft−hard" core−shell continuous rubber phase structure.…”