PLA based bionanocomposites and their transport properties

Abstract

This paper deals with the evaluation of gas transport properties of bionanocomposites based on polylactic acid 2003D (PLA). Montmorillonite based fillers, Cloisite® 10A, 20A, 30B and natural Cloisite® Na+, were incorporated into PLA polymer films. PLA/clay mixtures were produced by twin screw extruder ZSK-25. Further testing sheets were prepared from PLA/clay mixtures by Brabender Plasti-Corder equipped by flat die. The prepared composites were evaluated for water absorption, permeability of gases and water vapors. Further material morphology was assessed using X-ray diffraction as well as transmission electron microscopy. The best results achieved compositions with PLA/Cloisite10A and Cloisite 30B. © 2018 Author(s).