Tuning the processability, morphology and biodegradability of clay incorporated PLA/LLDPE blends via selective localization of nanoclay induced by melt mixing sequence

Abstract

Abstract. Polylactic acid (PLA)/linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) blend nanocomposites based on two different commercial-grade nanoclays, Cloisite ® 30B and Cloisite ® 15A, were produced via different melt mixing procedures in a counter-rotating twin screw extruder. The effects of mixing sequence and clay type on morphological and rheological behaviors as well as degradation properties of the blends were investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that generally the level of exfoliation in 30B based nanocomposites was better than 15A based nanocomposites. In addition, due to difference in hydrophilicity and kind of modifiers in these two clays, the effect of 30B on refinement of dispersed phase and enhancement of biodegradability of PLA/LLDPE blend was much more remarkable than that of 15A nanoclay. Unlike the one step mixing process, preparation of nanocomposites via a two steps mixing process improved the morphology. Based on the XRD and TEM (transmission electron microscopic) results, it is found that the mixing sequence has a remarkable influence on dispersion and localization of the major part of 30B nanoclay in the PLA matrix. Owing to the induced selective localization of nanoclays in PLA phase, the nanocomposites prepared through a two steps mixing sequence exhibited extraordinary biodegradability, refiner morphology and better melt elasticity.

Morphology, thermal properties and crystallization kinetics of ternary blends of the polylactide and starch biopolymers and nanoclay: The role of nanoclay hydrophobicity

“…Similarly, Chen and coworkers [16,17] compared the influence of organoclay and twice functionalized clay on the morphology and properties of PLA/poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and PLA/poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA) blends. Recently, As'habi et al [18] studied the effect of mixing sequences and organoclay types on the morphological, rheological and degradation behavior of PLA/low density polyethylene (LLDPE) nanocomposites. The PLA/LLDPE/clay nanocomposites were prepared using two commercially available organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT): Cloisite ® 30B (C30B) and Cloisite ® 15A (C15A).…”

Polyamide blend-based nanocomposites: A review

“…In this context, the addition of a compatibilizer to a nanofiller-containing multiphase system can contribute towards nanofiller positioning and its state of dispersion due to the induced changes in the thermodynamic system [98]. Mallick et al [99] reported the synergistic effect of nanoclay and maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA) on the morphology and properties of nylon 6/high density polyethylene (HDPE) blends.…”

Fabrication and characterization of PLA/PP/ABS ternary blend

“…A less expensive and more practical strategy to overcome these drawbacks is the blending of PLA with other polymers. Hence, several synthetic polymers and copolymers such as, polyethylene , polypropylene (PP) , polystyrene , poly(ethylene terephtalate) , polycarbonate , polyamide , and acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) or biodegradable polymers such as polycaprolactone , poly(butylene succinate) , poly(butylenes adipate‐co‐terephtalate) , thermoplastic starch , and poly(butylene succinate adipate) have been used.…”