PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF PLA NANOCOMPOSITES WITH INORGANIC NANOFILLERS AND CELLULOSE FIBRES

Polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites containing inorganic nanofillers, either 3 wt.% montmorillonite (MMT) or 5 wt.% nano-sizes calcium carbonate (NCC), and 15 wt.% cellulose fibres were prepared and studied. Good dispersion of nanoparticles in the PLA matrix was obtained. X-ray analysis and TEM examination evidenced that exfoliation of MMT was achieved. Dynamic mechanical response, thermal and mechanical properties, and also thermal stability of the composite materials were investigated with various methods. All the fillers, especially MMT, enhanced cold crystallization of PLA matrix, possibly by augmenting nucleation