Effect of processing conditions on mechanical and barrier properties of PLA/Clay nanocomposites

Yoji Nakade, Tatsuya Tanaka, Yoshihiko Arao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Elongation, toughness, and barrier properties of PLA are not sufficient to use for many applications such as food packing and films. But, elongation, toughness and gas barrier can be improved by addingnanoclay in the PLA. Now, the most used Melt-Compounding Method is the twin-screw extruder because of productivity and continuity. The processing conditions such as screw configurations and screw speed determine the dispersions state of nanoclay in the matrix: hence affect the mechanical and barrier properties of PLA/clay nanocomposites. We prepared nanocomposites using three types of screw configulations with various screw speed. Dispersion state of nanoclays in the PLA was evaluated by TEM observation and rheology tests. It was found the screw configurations with mixing and blister elements showed the best in dispersion of clay. Furthermore, elongation of PLA nanocomposites increased from 5% to 15% with improving the dispersion state of nanocomposites. We confirmed that the processing consitions of twin-screw extruder was important to enhance the properties of PLA/clay nanocomposites.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication16th European Conference on Composite Materials, ECCM 2014
PublisherEuropean Conference on Composite Materials, ECCM
ISBN (Electronic)9780000000002
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event16th European Conference on Composite Materials, ECCM 2014 - Seville, Spain
Duration: 2014 Jun 222014 Jun 26

Publication series

Name16th European Conference on Composite Materials, ECCM 2014

Conference

Conference16th European Conference on Composite Materials, ECCM 2014
Country/TerritorySpain
CitySeville
Period14/6/2214/6/26

Keywords

  • Barrier
  • Elongation
  • PLA/Clay nanocomposites

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of processing conditions on mechanical and barrier properties of PLA/Clay nanocomposites'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this