The effect of filler localization on the properties of biopolymer blends, recent advances: A review

Abstract

In recent times, the field of biopolymer (BP) blends has been the focus of intensive fundamental and applied researches. Such BP combinations possess unique properties that are different from those of the individual components. However, most polyester polymers are thermodynamically immiscible because of their poor interactions. In the past, a third component, known as a well‐defined diblock or triblock copolymer, whose chemical structure is identical to that of the main components, was usually used as a compatibilizer in order to emulsify the interfacial phase, decreasing the interfacial tension and refining the phase size. Currently, nanofillers are used to improve the phase morphologies of immiscible BP blends. The main advantage of using nanofillers, when compared to copolymers, is that the former can simultaneous act as nano‐reinforcements and compatibilizers. In this review, the addition of nanofillers as the third component in the BP blend systems are reported in relation to their morphologies, barrier properties, shape memory, thermal, and mechanical properties. The effects of selectively localized nanofillers on the properties of the BP blends are also explored, with the aim of establishing the relationships between the localization of the fillers and the overall properties of the BP blends. Furthermore, the effect of the processing techniques on the localization of the nanofillers/BP blend is also reported. The review article discusses recent progress from 2014 up to 2019 on filler localization of BP blend nanocomposites.

A review on the processing–morphology–property relationship in biodegradable polymer composites containing carbon nanotubes and nanofibers

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“…Polymeric nanocomposites based on metal oxide nanoparticles have attracted a lot of attention recently due to their excellent chemical, electrical, and optical characteristics. [1][2][3] As a result, they are now used in a variety of products, including sensors, solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. [4][5][6] By combining polymers with metal oxide nanoparticles in the composite's structure, it is possible to improve the electrical characteristics of certain polymers, such as conductivity and dielectric constant.…”

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“…Because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, low cost, simplicity of availability, and ability to adjust the mechanical properties of polymer composites according to application needs, polymer composites have been widely used. Researchers [1][2][3][4][5][6] have been interested in using natural fibres and biopolymers as one of the constituent elements in composites for several decades, owing to environmental concerns and government laws. Synthetic polymers are combined with natural fibres and fillers to improve performance while reducing negative environmental impact.…”