Abstract
Poly(Ɛ-caprolactone)/montmorillonite (PCL/MMT) and Poly(Ɛ-caprolactone)/organo-modified montmorillonite (PCL/OMMT) compounds at 3% w/w clay content were prepared by melting mixing. The effect of MMT and OMMT on the degradability of PCL injected specimens was investigated in vacuum at 40oC for up to 45 days and in aqueous medium at 40oC for up to 45 days. Selected specimens were collected after 15, 30 and 45 days of exposure. Microstructural changes were monitored during the degradation experiment by means of melt flow rate (MFR), weight loss, X ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical properties, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PCL and its compounds revealed not to be prone to hydrolytic degradation with similar results for MFR of samples exposed in vacuum and water. Gain and loss of weight were observed during experiments, probably due to swelling mechanism taking place in two stages, with the amorphous phase being the first to be swelled followed by the crystalline one. By XRD a new peak corresponding to (002) plane was evident for PCL/OMMT. PCL proved to be resistant to degradation since experiments carried out in vacuum or in aqueous medium for up to 45 days were not enough to affect the mechanical integrity of PCL samples.
Highlights
IntroductionBiodegradable polymers have attracted special attention as a potential solution of this problem, since they can be biologically degraded and can be considered as environmental friendly materials
Synthetic plastics have been used for various purposes, especially in the packaging industrial sector; the majority of these materials constitute at present a serious problem of waste management.Biodegradable polymers have attracted special attention as a potential solution of this problem, since they can be biologically degraded and can be considered as environmental friendly materials
The organophilization procedure was successful as the basal distance increased from around 1.31nm to 1.91nm, indicating that the organic cation was incorporated within the clay galleries, possibly increasing the affinity between PCL and OMMT. 11-13
Summary
Biodegradable polymers have attracted special attention as a potential solution of this problem, since they can be biologically degraded and can be considered as environmental friendly materials. PCL is a polymer with good ductility because of its low glass transition temperature of -60oC. PCL has been used in many applications; its biodegradability, biocompatibility and environmental friendliness have contributed to this purpose. It is a prime candidate for use in a variety of disposable materials that are used in food and medical packaging and other consumer items, since plastics disposal is becoming difficult as a result of diminishing landfill space. PCL has a low melting temperature (∼65°C) and poor thermal and gas barrier properties, which are the main
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