Compatibility, crystallinity and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)‐poly(ether‐block‐amide) based copper nanocomposites

Abstract

Binary and ternary composites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(ether‐block‐amide) (PEBAX) and copper nanoparticles were prepared by melt blending in an internal mixer. Compatibility and molecular interactions between the three components of the nanocomposites were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was found that the carbonyl groups of the PLA and copper nanoparticles interact. Also, PLA and PEBAX are compatible and develop molecular interactions between the C=O of PLA and the C=O and NH of PEBAX, forming dipole–dipole bonds and hydrogen bonds. The compatibility and molecular interaction between PLA and PEBAX are reduced by copper nanoparticles. The reduction of compatibility between PLA and PEBAX produced a lower storage modulus and lower strain at break in the ternary systems than in the blend PLA‐PEBAX. Copper nanoparticles enhanced the crystallinity of PLA. PLA responded more strongly to the nucleating effect of copper when PEBAX was added indicating a synergistic effect. The strain at break of PLA was enhanced by the addition of PEBAX but was severely reduced by the presence of nanoparticles. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry

A review on polylactic acid‐based blends/composites and the role of compatibilizers in biomedical engineering applications

“…Additionally, PLA/Cu NPs exhibit molecular interaction between C O of PLA and Cu NPs, thus enhancing the crystallinity of the matrix. 386 6.5 | Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) NPs TiO 2 NPs are nontoxic, in-expensive, odor inhibitors, photodegradation catalysts and absorb UV radiation. Thus, TiO 2 NPs can be an attractive choice as a polymeric filler, but it also causes bulk erosion, compromise thermal stability and increase the crystal size of the polymer.…”

“…Despite, elasticity and crystallinity were reduced as NPs content increased beyond 5 wt%. Additionally, PLA/Cu NPs exhibit molecular interaction between CO of PLA and Cu NPs, thus enhancing the crystallinity of the matrix 386 …”