Effect of Biobased SiO2 on the Morphological, Thermal, Mechanical, Rheological, and Permeability Properties of PLLA/PEG/SiO2 Biocomposites

Nowadays, companies and researchers are concerned about the negative consequences of using synthetic polymers direct their efforts to create new alternatives such as biocomposites. This study investigated effect biobased SiO2 on properties poly(L-lactic acid)/SiO2 (PLLA/SiO2) acid)/SiO2/poly(ethylene glycol) (PLLA/SiO2/PEG) composites. The was obtained from rice husk incineration mixed with PLLA at various concentrations (5, 10, 15 wt.%) via melt extrusion before compression molding. Furthermore, PLLA/SiO2/PEG composites PEG (0, 3, 5, 10 wt.% were produced. sample morphology studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyze dispersion/adhesion in polymer matrix differential calorimetry (DSC) used under isothermal non-isothermal conditions thermal samples, which complemented stability thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Rheological performed investigate viscoelastic behavior state. At same time, tensile mechanical room temperature determine solid DSC X-ray diffraction (XRD) combined crystalline state samples. Finally, gas permeation measurements a variable pressure (constant volume) method permeability different gases (CO2, CH4, O2, H2). results showed that decreased chain mobility, slowing crystallization process lowering while increasing Young’s modulus, stability, viscosity. However, addition increased rate compared neat (+40%), its elongation break (+26%), leading more flexible/ductile Due improved silica dispersion material’s viscosity (+50%) also addition. research uses material considered waste improve PLA, obtaining potential be for packaging.