Preparation and characterization of melt processed poly(l-lactide)/layered double hydroxide nonocomposites

This work reports the fabrication and physical properties of biodegradable poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) composites containing a fraction of unmodified layered double hydroxides (LDH–NO3) and γ-polyglutamate-modified layered double hydroxides (γ-LDH) by melt blending process. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experimental results showed that the original LDH–NO3 with the certain amount of aggregates was unevenly dispersed throughout the PLLA matrix. Conversely, γ-LDH allows the formation of an intercalated nanocomposite. Although the water vapor permeability of the PLLA/LDH systems was decreased with increasing the loading of LDH, the barrier property of PLLA reinforced with γ-LDH is superior to that of PLLA-L composites. The effects of both LDHs on mechanical and thermal properties of PLLA were also investigated.