Furanoate Polyesters/Polylactide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Films: Thermomechanical and Gas Permeation Properties

Abstract

This work aims at preparing bioderived polymer films by blending poly(lactic) acid (PLA) and poly(dodecylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PDoF) and containing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a multifunctional filler in variable weight fraction (from 0.25 to 2 phr). Although the PLA/PDoF blend results as immiscible, the addition of rGO leads to smaller (from 2.6 to 1.6 μm) and more irregularly shaped PDoF domains and to a better PLA/PDoF interfacial adhesion, which suggests that rGO may act as a blend compatibilizer. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) shows that rGO shifts the glass transition of PDoF (≈5°C) to higher temperatures. The addition of 10 wt% PDoF in PLA increases the strain at break (+145%), and the addition of 0.25 phr of rGO to this blend increases its tensile strength (+13%), without significantly modifying the strain at break. Finally, rGO strongly decreases the diffusivity and permeability to O 2 , N 2 , and CO 2 due to an increased diffusion path for gas molecules. These results highlight the positive and sometimes synergistic role of PDoF and rGO in tuning the thermomechanical and gas permeation properties of PLA.

Tailoring the physical properties of poly(lactic acid) through the addition of thermoplastic polyurethane and functionalized short carbon fibers

“…11 It can be processed in many ways such as extrusion, spinning, or injection molding, with vast application perspectives in the future. 8,[12][13][14][15] However, PLA is rather brittle, and this feature may limit its application in many industrial segments. 16 Therefore, there is a common interest to formulate new grades of PLA with improved ductility, while maintaining its tensile strength.…”

“…It is a relatively cheap polymer and offers excellent degradability and barrier properties 11 . It can be processed in many ways such as extrusion, spinning, or injection molding, with vast application perspectives in the future 8,12–15 . However, PLA is rather brittle, and this feature may limit its application in many industrial segments 16 .…”