Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA)/silica composites as multifunctional high-performance materials have been extensively examined in the past few years by virtue of their outstanding properties relative to neat PLA. The fabrication methods, such as melt-mixing, sol–gel, and in situ polymerization, as well as the surface functionalization of silica, used to improve the dispersion of silica in the polymer matrix are outlined. The rheological, thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties of PLA/silica nanocomposites are highlighted. The potential applications arising from the addition of silica nanoparticles into the PLA matrix are also described. Finally, we believe that a better understanding of the role of silica additive with current improvement strategies in the dispersion of this additive in the polymer matrix is the key for successful utilization of PLA/silica nanocomposites and to maximize their fit with industrial applications needs.
Highlights
Owing to its versatility and good performance, polylactic acid (PLA) as a biodegradable polymer is regarded as one of the most favorable polymers to substitute petroleumbased plastics [1,2,3]
The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results confirmed the reactions between silica and epoxidized soybean oil, which, in turn, led to improve crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of PLA, while Sepulveda et al [41] demonstrated that the direct grafting of L-lactic acid oligomer onto the silica surface through its silanol groups was a good strategy to enhance the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of PLA/silica composites
The weight loss ratios of PLA/silica composites at different burning time intervals tended to decrease with the increase in the silica content, which was linked to the excellent dispersion of particles in the PLA matrix
Summary
Owing to its versatility and good performance, polylactic acid (PLA) as a biodegradable polymer is regarded as one of the most favorable polymers to substitute petroleumbased plastics [1,2,3]. The FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results confirmed the reactions between silica and epoxidized soybean oil, which, in turn, led to improve crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of PLA, while Sepulveda et al [41] demonstrated that the direct grafting of L-lactic acid oligomer onto the silica surface through its silanol groups was a good strategy to enhance the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of PLA/silica composites. Zhu et al [42] found that the surface functionalization of fumed silica nanoparticles oleic acid by oleic acid would help to improve the rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties of PLA/silica composites prepared via the melt-mixing method, which was linked to the good interfacial adhesion in the composites containing functionalized-silica nanoparticles
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