Polylactide and carbon nanotubes/smectite-clay nanocomposites: Preparation, characterization, sorptive and electrical properties

In order to prepare polylactide nanocomposites, hybrid fillers were synthesized by direct growth of carbon nanotubes over as-purchased and Na+-exchanged clay catalysts with 15 wt.% iron load. The sorptive and electrical behavior of nanocomposites obtained by the incorporation of 1–5 wt.% filler was investigated. Results show that polylactide nanocomposites are endowed with increased sorption and outstandingly enhanced conductivity (up to 6 or even 9 orders of magnitude) with respect to the pristine polymer (σ = 1 · 10−10 S/m). The origin of these changes is discussed, and the synergistic action between nanotubes and clay is evidenced.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Hybrid CNT-clay fillers improve sorptive and electrical properties of PDLLA.
► Increase of water vapor sorption is due to the hydrophilic part (clay) of the filler.
► CNT are responsible for 6–9 orders of magnitude electric conductivity enhancement.
► Clay and CNT exert a synergistic action in upgrading the polymer properties.
► Sodium-exchanged K10 clay allows obtaining better results than as-purchased K10 clay.