Mechanical Properties of Polylactide Admixed with Carbon Nanotubes or Graphene Nanopowder.

Piotr Szatkowski,Jacek Gralewski,Martyna Szatkowska,Leszek Czechowski

doi:10.3390/ma14205955

Piotr Szatkowski, Jacek Gralewski + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14205955

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Abstract

The aim of this work was to verify the material properties of polylactic acid (PLA) with an addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene nanopowder (GNP). The pure polylactide and admixed polylactide samples were subjected to chemical–physical tests to determine their stiffness and strength parameters. The tensile and impact tests were performed on samples without UV (ultraviolet) treatment and after UV treatment, in a physiological saline solution. The investigations were composed of two stages. The first one was related to the examination of the properties of pure polylactide, denoted as the following: 3001D, 4032D, and 4043D. The second stage was based on an analysis of the properties of PLA 4032D with an admixture of GNP or CNTs, at 0.1 wt.% and 0.5 wt.%. By comparing the strength and the stiffness of pure samples with samples with the considered admixtures, an essential increase was not observed. However, it is stated that the presence of GNP and CNTs in the samples positively influenced the resistance of the materials to the ageing process.

Highlights

The contemporary industry of modern materials is developed with huge tempo everywhere
The alternative of conventional polymer materials is biopolymers that are characterized by similar mechanical properties to conventional polymers, but they have fundamental assets, namely, they naturally decompose in a short amount of time
The results showed that the relative fiber content has a significant influence on the mechanical properties and the ratio of carbon fibers in composites

Summary

Introduction

The contemporary industry of modern materials is developed with huge tempo everywhere. Polymer materials are still used in many branches, though they are weakly biodegradable. The essential types of materials are composite materials, which are produced from basic materials, such as polymers and modifiers, enhancing general mechanical properties or enabling an adoption of polymers to the appropriate field. The alternative of conventional polymer materials is biopolymers that are characterized by similar mechanical properties to conventional polymers, but they have fundamental assets, namely, they naturally decompose in a short amount of time. A well-known biopolymer is polylactic acid (PLA), which is featured by good thermo-plasticity and moderately high mechanical properties. There is a possibility to produce biodegradable biopolymers from bacteria, mushrooms, or crustacean shells. Composite materials are usually made up of a matrix and reinforcement. The reinforcement constitutes a material that has better mechanical properties to ensure appropriate strength of the composite material. A unique material with extremely good mechanical properties is graphene, which distinguishes itself with extraordinary thermal and electric conductivity

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