Abstract

Photodegradation of PLA/PE, PLA/PE/TiO2 nanospheres and PLA/PE/TiO2 nanotubes was obtained under simulated sunlight. The nanocomposites were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and tensile-deformation measurements. TiO2 nanospheres and TiO2 nanotubes were found to present different effects on the crystallinity of PLA and a straight correlation between structural organization and photostability was observed. According to the results, TiO2 promotes the degradation of PLA and PE, affecting the organizational level of the polymers. By adding TiO2 nanoparticles to the PLA/PE films, vibration modes characteristic of degradation products were promptly observed and the lifetime of the polymer decreased when compared to the PLA/PE without TiO2 nanoparticles. Mechanical measurements showed an improvement of the mechanical properties when adding the TiO2 nanoparticles.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.