Thermal, Mechanical, and Rheological Characterization of Polylactic Acid/Halloysite Nanotube Nanocomposites. Issue 7 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Yu Hyun; Kwon, Seung Hyuk; Choi, Hyoung Jin; Choi, Kisuk; Kao, Nhol; Bhattacharya, Sati N.; Gupta, Rahul K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of macromolecular science. Volume 55:Issue 7(2016)
• Page Start: 680
• Page End: 692
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: halloysite -- nanocomposite -- polylactic acid -- rheology; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; 530.413
• DOI: 10.1080/00222348.2016.1187054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2348

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Halloysite nanotube (HNT) clay and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposites were fabricated by a melt-blending method with five different clay levels (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 wt%). The effect of HNT loading on the thermal and mechanical properties of the PLA/HNT nanocomposites was examined by thermogravimetric analysis and universal tensile testing, respectively. Morphological characteristics were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The composites' melt rheological characteristic analyses were conducted using a rotational rheometer in both steady-shear and oscillatory dynamic testing modes. The data were found to be well-analyzed using the Carreau model, Cox–Merz rule, modified Cole–Cole plot, and van Gurp–Palmen plot.