Processing, structure, and properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube/poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐valerate) biopolymer nanocomposites

Abstract

Biopolymer nanocomposites of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which reinforced poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) were developed. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were modified by an acid oxidation treatment (A-MWCNTs) to improve their dispersal in the polymer. The thermal properties, crystallization behavior, microstructure, and cross-sectional morphology of the composites were investigated. Their mechanical properties and surface contact angles were tested. The cytotoxicity of the composites to murine fibroblast L929 cells was also evaluated. The results show that A-MWCNTs are homogeneously dispersed in PHBV which demonstrate strong heterogeneous nucleation on the dynamics and kinetics of crystallization of PHBV. With the addition of A-MWCNTs, the crystallization temperature, heat of crystallization, and thermal stability of the composites increase. Consequently, the mechanical properties of the composites have been substantially improved. The composites become hydrophilic and have no obvious toxicity to the murine fibroblast L929 cells when the content of A-MWCNTs is below 1.5 wt %. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 125: E620-E629, 2012 Figure 7 Morphology of murine fibroblast L929 cells culturing for four days on (a) Blank group, (b) A-MWCNT/PHBV (1.5 wt %) composite. E628MA ET AL.

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