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The mechanical/thermal properties of microcellular injection‐molded poly‐lactic‐acid nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Hwang ShyhShin,
Hsu Peming P.,
Yeh JuiMing,
Chang KungChin,
Lai YingZhong
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.20736
Subject(s) - materials science , nanocomposite , montmorillonite , ultimate tensile strength , extrusion , composite material , blowing agent , izod impact strength test , crystallization , thermal decomposition , lactic acid , chemical engineering , chemistry , genetics , organic chemistry , biology , bacteria , polyurethane , engineering
This study investigated the influence of montmorillonite (MMT) content on the mechanical/thermal properties of microcellular injection‐molded polylactide (PLA)/clay nanocomposites. Carbon dioxide was the blowing agent. The PLA/MMT nanocomposites were prepared by twin screw extrusion. The results showed that as MMT content is increased, tensile strength, impact strength, and cell density decrease. This is caused by the speed degradation of PLA due to the addition of MMT. MMT decreases the crystallization temperature but increases the decomposition temperature of the nanocomposites. The XRD results showed that the layer spacing of the clay increases as MMT content increases. TEM pictures showed that the MMT is well dispersed within the PLA matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.