Influence of montmorillonite/carbon nanotube hybrid nanofillers on the properties of poly(lactic acid)

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and montmorillonite (Mt) are used as reinforcing fillers in polymers. Achieving homogeneous distribution of the nanoparticles without agglomerates polymeric matrices continues to be an important topic materials science. In this study, hybrid Mt/MWCNT nanofiller was prepared after determining most stable composition with help dynamic light scattering (DLS). The characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD) Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. were incorporated poly(lactic acid) (PLA) at concentrations 0.5, 1 2 wt%, by a two-step procedure solution melt mixing, their physicochemical, thermal, mechanical morphological properties evaluated. physicochemical studies suggested strong hybrid-polymer interaction. structural analyzes confirmed synergy between nanoclay nanotubes achieving dispersion PLA matrix. thermal characterizations depicted that Mt./MWCNT nanofillers synergistically restricted segment motions promoted crystallization polymer PLA/Mt/MWCNT nanocomposites improved, confirming effect on