Abstract
In this work, bionanocomposites based on different biodegradable polymers and two types of nanofillers, namely a nanosized calcium carbonate and an organomodified nanoclay, were produced through melt extrusion, with the aim to evaluate the possible applications of these materials as a potential alternative to traditional fossil fuel-derived polyolefins, for the production of irrigation pipes. The rheological behavior of the formulated systems was thoroughly evaluated by exploiting different flow regimes, and the obtained results indicated a remarkable effect of the introduced nanofillers on the low-frequency rheological response, especially in nanoclay-based bionanocomposites. Conversely, the shear viscosity at a high shear rate was almost unaffected by the presence of both types of nanofillers, as well as the rheological response under nonisothermal elongational flow. In addition, the analysis of the mechanical properties of the formulated materials indicated that the embedded nanofillers increased the elastic modulus when compared to the unfilled counterparts, notwithstanding a slight decrease of the material ductility. Finally, the processing behavior of unfilled biopolymers and bionanocomposites was evaluated, allowing for selecting the most suitable material and thus fulfilling the processability requirements for pipe extrusion applications.
Highlights
Published: 4 March 2021Bionanocomposites are an emerging class of nanostructured hybrid biomaterials, involving a bioderived polymer combined with organic or inorganic fillers, showing at least one dimension at the nanometric scale [1,2,3]
This finding suggests that Socal particles are not able to promote substantial modifications of the macromolecular dynamics of the polymer macromolecules, according to similar results reported in the literature for composites containing nanosized calcium carbonate [36,37], and the rheological behavior of Socal-containing nanocomposites is mainly governed by the response of the respective matrices
To evaluate the processability of the exploited biopolymers, i.e., MB1, MB2, and BF, in comparison to that of the high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which represents the “standard” material usually employed for pipe extrusion, it is useful to recall the rheological behavior of the polymers, in the typical shear rate range involved in extrusion operations
Summary
Bionanocomposites are an emerging class of nanostructured hybrid biomaterials, involving a bioderived polymer combined with organic or inorganic fillers, showing at least one dimension at the nanometric scale [1,2,3]. These promising materials have potential industrial applications as an alternative to nanocomposites based on fossil-fuel derived thermoplastics, in attempting to solve the environmental concerns related to the intensive utilization of nonrenewable resources [4,5]. Polylactic acid (PLA) represents the most used matrix for the formulation of bionanocomposites, due to its large utilization at industrial scale [13,14,15,16]; nanoclays [17], graphene [18] and cellulose nanocrystals [19], among a few to mention, have been widely exploited as nanofillers for PLA-based systems, Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
