Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
7890516 Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing 2016 30 Pages PDF
Abstract
In the present work, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) sheets reinforced with organically modified montmorillonite (o-MMT) were manufactured through reactive extrusion-calendering using a masterbatch approach in a pilot plant. Reaction monitoring analysis suggests the occurrence of premature reactions between o-MMT and the reactive agent; lowering further structural changes in the polymeric matrix. While calendered sheets exhibited a homogenous and preferential distribution of clay particles in MD, the coexistence of mixed structures, involving tactoids of various sizes as well as intercalated clay layers was observed. However, a higher and finer dispersion of o-MMT particles was achieved through clay-polymer tethering via chain extender molecules. Under tensile loading, the aforementioned clay dispersion enhanced multiple cavitation processes, notably improving PLA shear flow.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Materials Science Ceramics and Composites
Authors
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