Melt Intercalation Method Research Articles

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CLAY/LLDPE AND ORGANOCLAY/LLDPE NANOCOMPOSITES

Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is widely used in many areas in daily life because it is both light and flexible. In this study, clay/LLDPE and organoclay/LLDPE nanocomposites were obtained by melt intercalation method, incorporating small amounts (1- 5 wt.%) of nanosized clay and organoclay modified with a positively charged salt to enhance the mechanical properties of the polymer. Characterization and mechanical tests showed that the mechanical strength of the composites increased with additive content, though some flexibility was partially lost. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed that clay and organoclay interacted with polymer chains and dispersed homogeneously. It was found that organoclay layers adhered to LLDPE surfaces more effectively than clay layers, leading to a greater improvement in mechanical properties. Specifically, the addition of 5 wt.% organoclay resulted in increases of 56.67%, 58.73%, and 39.53% in elastic modulus, yield strength, and tensile strength, respectively. Additionally, the observed 5% rise in melting temperature suggests potential for expanding the application range of these nanocomposites to areas requiring thermal stability.

Rheological, mechanical, and morphological behaviour of polypropylene composites reinforced with ultrafine kaolinite particles

To develop charge/matrix interactions and improve the rheological, mechanical, and morphological performances of the matrix polypropylene, PP/kaolinite composites were prepared using the melt intercalation method at 190 °C. The rheological and mechanical properties of polypropylene/kaolin composites have been evaluated at various concentrations of untreated and/or treated kaolin. It was shown that the melt flow index (MFI) varies visibly but slightly compared to that of the matrix with increasing kaolin content. Furthermore, when the kaolin loading is enhanced, the apparent shear viscosity (ηapp) of the composites increases compared to the matrix and decreases with the increase in the shear rate (γapp). Also, while the shear stress (τapp) is reduced, the flow curve shifts upwards with increasing the kaolin concentration. The systems obeyed the power-law model in shear stress-shear rate variations and were shear thinning as power-law index (n) values increased with kaolin content. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the obtained composites were significantly affected by the dispersion of the filler into the matrix and by the weak interactions at the interface PP/kaolinite. SEM micrographs show a poor dispersion of the nanoclay within the polypropylene matrix and the formation of agglomerates with different sizes.

The Characterization Of Porang Starch (Amorphophallus Oncophyllus) Biodegradable Plastic Using Sorbitol Plasticizer With The Glycerol Plasticizer Addition

This research investigated effect of morphological, mechanical and physical properties on biodegradable plastic made from porang starch with chitosan using, sorbitol plasticizer at concentration 60 and 80 wt%, with the addition of glycerol plasticizer at various concentrations (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%), made using the melt intercalation method with a gelatinization temperature of 80°C and drying temperature of 70°C. Plasticizer was added to improve flexibility and water absorption of biodegradable plastic properties. Increasing the concentration of the plasticizer resulted in an increase in the elongation of the biodegradable plastic. The biodegradable plastic showed greater tensile strength before addition glycerol plasticizer 1,9191 MPa at 60% concentration and 1,3018 MPa at 80%. Conversely, the addition of 100% glycerol concentration showed an increase in elongation of 77.7764% at 60% sorbitol and 171.0562 at 80% sorbitol. SEM characterization results still showed agglomeration and FTIR not showed any new functional groups. The results of this research indicate that the percentage and kind of plasticizer influence the physical, mechanical, morphological and degradation properties to porang starch biodegradable plastics.

The Effect of Using a Combination of Sorbitol and Glycerol Plasticizers on the Characterization of Edible Film from Porang (Amorphophallus oncophyllus) Starch

Edible films present an eco-friendly alternative for food packaging compared to traditional plastic materials. This study investigates the effects of glycerol and sorbitol plasticizers on the properties of edible films. The research involves crafting these films using porang (Amorphophallus oncophyllus) starch. Glycerol plasticizers were incorporated at a concentration of 100%, while sorbitol was utilized at varying levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) to evaluate their impact on film characteristics. The films were produced using the melt intercalation method at a gelatinization temperature of 80°C and a firing temperature of 70°C. Notably, the most favorable physical test outcomes were observed with adding 100% sorbitol, including thickness, density, water absorption, and degradability improvements. Meanwhile, adding 25% sorbitol yielded the highest tensile strength and elongation values.

The Effect of Additional Chitosan and Cellulose on The Performance of Bioplastic from Manihot Glaziovii Starch

Manihot Glaziovii has a starch content of 77.87 making it potential to be used as raw material for bioplastics manufacturing as a substitute for conventional plastics. It requires the addition of biopolymers (fillers) and plasticizers to overcome weaknesses against mechanical properties and water resistance. This study aims to determine the effect of filler variations on the quality of bioplastics to be compared with SNI No.7188.7:2016 using fillers addition in the form of chitosan and cellulose from newsprint and sorbitol as plasticizer were expected to improve the quality of the bioplastics. Melt intercalation method are used with heating temperature of 60°C-80°C for 60 minutes and stirring speed of 500 rpm. The variation of cellulose combination for 30% chitosan (w/w starch) was 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, and 18% while the variation of chitosan for 16% cellulose (w/w starch) was 20%, 30%, 40 %, 50%, and 60%. Based on the test results, the best characteristic value for the water absorption is 120.65%, biodegradability is 32.74%, tensile strength value is 15.72 MPa, WVTR value is 6.52 g/m2.hour, and elongation is 29.76%. From the test results, it can be concluded that bioplastics made from Manihot Glaziovii starch have not been able to meet SNI No.7188:2016.

The Effect of Sorbitol on the Mechanical Properties of Temu Ireng Rhizomes (Curcuma Aeruginosa Roxb.) Starch Biodegradable Plastic

Biodegradable plastic is made by mixing from temu ireng rhizomes starch matrix, sorbitol as a plasticizer, and chitosan as a filler through the melt intercalation method. heating process at 800C and drying at 70oC. The results show that the addition of chitosan and sorbitol has an effect on the characteristics of the plastic. The best tensile strength results on biodegradable plastic with a mass composition of starch: chitosan 5:5 gram without the addition of sorbitol is 4.03 MPa. The best percentage of elongation in plastic with a composition of starch: chitosan 8:2 gr and 3 ml Sorbitol is 99.68%. The best water resistance to biodegradable plastic was the composition of starch: chitosan 5:5 gr without the addition of sorbitol is 83.33%. And the best biodegradability in plastic with a composition of 5:5 chitosan without the addition of sorbitol was 100% for 9 days. FTIR test results show that biodegradable plastic have the same wavelength as their constituent raw materials. This shows that the resulting film only interacts physically.

Sintesis Bioplastik Ramah Lingkungan Berbasis Pati Biji Durian dengan Filler Selulosa Sabut Kelapa

Conventional plastic has become a concern because it is a problem for the environment. Bioplastics made from starch and natural polymers such as cellulose from coconut fiber can be a solution to these plastic problems. This study aims to synthesize and characterize bioplastics made from durian seed starch with sorbitol as a plasticizer and coconut coir cellulose as a filler. This research consisted of several stages of the procedure including the extraction of durian seed starch, isolation of coco coir cellulose, synthesis of bioplastics, and characterization of bioplastics. Bioplastics are made by the melt intercalation method. The resulting bioplastics were characterized by FTIR and mechanical tests (elastic modulus and tensile strength). In this study, the starch produced was characterized by a yellowish-white color and a rough texture with a yield of 10.95%. Before being used as a bioplastic filler, the coconut coir powder was bleached using H2O2 in a base condition to reduce the presence of lignin and hemicellulose. Based on the FTIR spectrum, the bleaching process was indicated by a decrease in the intensity of the absorption peak at wavenumbers of 1246 cm-1 and 1642 cm-1 which were characteristic absorptions for lignin and hemicellulose. The results of the mechanical test showed that the bioplastic composition with the highest tensile strength and modulus of elasticity was owned by bioplastic with 4% cellulose, namely 7.28 MPa and 0.73 MPa.

Clay-Based Polymer Nanocomposites: Essential Work of Fracture.

This work details the general structure of the clays used as a reinforcement phase in polymer nanocomposites. Clays are formed by the molecular arrangement of atomic planes described through diagrams to improve their visualization. The molecular knowledge of clays can facilitate the selection of the polymer matrix and achieve a suitable process to obtain clay-based polymer nanocomposite systems. This work highlights the development of polymer nanocomposites using the melt intercalation method. The essential work of fracture (EWF) technique has been used to characterize the fracture behavior of materials that show ductility and where complete yielding of the ligament region occurs before the crack propagation. In this sense, the EWF technique characterizes the post-yielding fracture mechanics, determining two parameters: the specific essential work of fracture (we), related to the surface where the actual fracture process occurs, and the specific non-essential work of fracture (wp), related to the plastic work carried out in the outer zone of the fracture zone. The EWF technique has been used successfully in nano-reinforced polymers to study the influence of different variables on fracture behavior. In this work, the fundamentals of the EWF technique are described, and some examples of its application are compiled, presenting a summary of the most relevant contributions in recent years.

Tensile Strength and Elongation Testing for Starch-Based Bioplastics using Melt Intercalation Method: A Review

Plastics were commonly used as packaging materials for primary, secondary, and tertiary needs. However, the continuous use of plastic was inadequate for the environment. The research that was developing to address the use of conventional plastics is bioplastics. Bioplastics undergo faster degradation but had low mechanical strength and were hydrophilic. One of the main ingredients of bioplastics was starch. This study aimed to examine the effect of using starch-based materials on the quality parameters of bioplastic tensile strength and elongation quality. The tensile strength and elongation values of bioplastic from various treatments showed a relatively large range of results. Glycerol was the most widely used plasticizer because Glycerol has the best interaction ability compared to other plasticizers when combined with starches with different characters, either by adding various types of fillers or without adding fillers. The types of fillers that were commonly used are chitosan, clay, and ZnO. The use of plasticizers and fillers gives an opposite contribution to the bioplastic quality of tensile strength and Elongation.

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MAGNESIUM/ALUMINIUM LAYERED DOUBLE HYDROXIDE AS FILLER IN LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITE

Polymer had been widely used in industries nowadays. However, the properties of the polymer itself are limited to a particular application. This study describes synthetic clay, layered double hydroxide (LDH), as a filler in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composite. LDHs of magnesium/aluminium-dodecyl sulfate (Mg/Al-DS) and its grafted with triethoxymethylsilane (TEMS), (TEMS-g-Mg/Al-DS) were synthesized through co-precipitation and salinization reaction methods. The presence of alkyl group, v(C-H) in both LDH had confirmed through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The appearance of peaks in FTIR spectra within the absorbance range of 2800 – 2930 cm-1 indicates a successful surface modification of LDH, supported by the changes of interlayer spacing and the presence of carbon from X-ray diffractogram and CHNS elemental analysis, respectively. The synthesized LDH was mixed with LDPE via melt intercalation method. The LDH modification resulted in higher interaction and compatibility between the LDPE matrix and LDH by the formation exfoliated type of nanocomposites, as suggested by XRD analysis.

Phase transformation and dielectric properties of polyvinylidene fluoride/organic‐montmorillonite nanocomposites fabricated under elongational flow field

AbstractCompounding montmorillonite (MMT) with polymorphic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) by melt intercalation method can induce the crystal phase transformation of PVDF, which is of great significance to obtain the electroactive PVDF. In this research, PVDF/Organic‐Montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by a novel vane mixer, which was dominated by the elongational flow field in the whole plasticizing. The dispersion of OMMT, the crystal phase transformation of PVDF, and the resulting properties of nanocomposites were experimentally studied. The results of TEM and WAXD evidenced that homogeneous dispersion and desirable intercalation structure of OMMT were formed in the PVDF matrix under the effect of the elongational flow field. WAXD, FTIR, and DSC tests demonstrated that large amounts of β‐phase of PVDF was formed due to the introduction of OMMT. The intercalation structure of OMMT and the crystal transformation of PVDF increased the dielectric constant and piezoelectric properties of nanocomposites, while the dielectric loss still maintained at a very low level. Finally, the effect of unique ''double‐layer peeling'' mechanism of OMMT on the properties of nanocomposites was discussed.

Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Camphor Soot Embedded Coir Fiber Reinforced Nylon Composites

In this study, camphor soot was infused into coir fibers using osmosis technique. Further, modified coir fibers were reinforced in nylon 6 using the melt intercalation method by varying fiber content (0, 3, 6, 9 wt. %) to obtain camphor soot embedded coir fiber reinforced nylon composites (CSCFNCs). The presence of camphor soot infused coir fibers in nylon 6 matrix was confirmed through XRD peaks by forming a single peak for CSCFNCs compared to neat nylon 6. CSCFNCs were characterized for tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and density as per ASTM standards. Thermal behaviour of CSCFNCs were also investigated by TGA, DSC, MFI and DMA. Tensile strength, flexural strength and density of the CSCFNCs were enhanced compared to neat nylon 6. On the other hand, impact strength is reduced. MFI and tan δ values for CSCFNCs shows decreased trend due to constrained polymer movement. TGA analysis for CSCFNCs shows increased thermal stability, marginally. DSC analysis revealed two peaks at 228 °C and 468 °C corresponds to the melting point and degradation temperature of CSCFNCs respectively. DMA result shows the storage modulus of 700 MPa for neat nylon 6 and it is enhanced in the case of CSCFNCs. Maximum storage modulus was recorded for 6 wt. % CSCFNCs was 806 MPa. Creep study shows that 6 wt. % CSCFNCs has shown minimum impression depth 0.125 mm compared to neat nylon 6 0.212 mm. SEM reveals that the fibers are uniformly distributed in the matrix and experienced brittle fracture.

Novel Nanocomposites Based on Bacterial Polyester/LDH-SDS Clay for Stem Cells Delivery in Modern Wound Healing Management.

Nanocomposite materials based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) and modified mineral clay layered double hydroxides (LDH-SDS) were explored as novel nanostructured materials for potential tissue engineering applications. The mineral clay inorganic phase was modified with an anionic long-chain structure of carbon atoms, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, in order to increase the compatibility between the two phases. The melt intercalation method used for nanocomposite fabrication ensures a good dispersion of the modified LDH-SDS within the polymer matrix without using a toxic solvent (chloroform). The nanocomposites were found to have an intercalated/exfoliated structure with an enhanced Young modulus and increased stiffness. This could allow them to be considered for autologous stem cells dressings in the view of efficient wound healing applications.

Synthesis of Graphene Oxide-Polystyrene Graft Polymer Based on Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer and Its Effect on Properties, Crystallization, and Rheological Behavior of Poly (Lactic Acid)

Graphene oxide-polystyrene graft polymer (SGO-PS) was prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization method. Orthogonal experiments indicated that the optimum synthesis reaction conditions for SGO-PS were as follows: the millimole ratio of chain transfer agent to initiator was 0.15 : 0.3, and the amount of styrene was 8 mL at 80°C for 12 hours. The products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal weightlessness analysis, and the highest grafting rate of SGO-PS was 62.46%. Then, PLA/SGO-PS nanocomposites were prepared using SGO-PS as fillers by melt intercalation method, and its crystallinity, mechanical properties, and thermal stability were significantly improved. Compared with pure PLA, the crystallinity of PLA/SGO-PS (0.3 wt%) nanocomposites was increased by 5 times. Multiple melting behavior tests showed that the introduction of SGO-PS caused the PLA molecular chain to be discharged into the unit cell in time, and the melting temperature shifted to a higher temperature, which ultimately made the grain structure of PLA composites more complete and stable than pure PLA. The rheological performance test showed that the uniform dispersion of SGO-PS in the PLA matrix inhibited the free movement of the PLA molecular chain and caused higher flow resistance, resulting in an increase in the complex viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus of PLA/SGO-PS.

Experimental investigation of thermal and physical properties of nanocomposites for power cable insulations

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation for thermal and physical properties of nanocomposites comprising polypropylene (PP)/maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP)/nanoclay (NC) blends. The composites were prepared with melt intercalation method in a rheomixer. The choice of a rheomixer as the process root was because of its homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer and the samples demonstrated intercalated composition. The new samples were characterized using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), scanning electron microscope (SEM), fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermal conductivity (TC) instruments. Finally, the experiment investigated six new samples, which consist of one sample as the reference sample and the other five samples contained nanoclay of different concentrations. The nanocomposite with 3 wt% clay gave the optimum result and is recommendable for power cable insulation. This study justifies power cable insulation through the incorporation of nanoparticles in polypropylene.

Production of biodegradable package material from tofu industry byproduct

Plastic has been widely used as single-use package and carrier material due to its low price, strength, practicality, and versatility. On the other hand, plastic requires a long period to naturally decompose. Nowadays, a huge number of plastic wastes have caused detrimental impacts to the global environment, hence a more environmentally benign substance of making plastic is a significant importance. This study proposed the production of biodegradable material from nata de soya, which is composed from whey waste using melt intercalation method. This environmentally-friendly substance was mainly obtained from tofu industry byproduct which is known as ‘whey’, through fermentation process using Acetobacter xylinum bacteria. Melt intercalation method was used to obtain desired texture and characteristic, the step was the fermented product mixed with chitosan, acetic acid, glycerol, and tapioca starch, with various range of concentration. The mixed component then underwent milling and drying process for finalization. As for characteristic of the materials, tested parameters include solubility, water resistance, and biodegradability in the environment. Our results showed the potential of this material to substitute the use of plastic and is applicable for versatile purposes. Water resistance was up to 95 minutes, and the material was able to be completely degraded in around 60 days.

Processing and characterization of natural Bentonite from Aceh, Indonesia as filler of Poly-Caprolactone/Poly-Lactic Acid/Chitosan, (PCL/PLA/Chitosan) nanocomposites

The formation of composite from polymer mixture PCL / PLA / Chitosan bentonite was carried out through the melt intercalation method using an extruder at 180 °C with a holding time of 20 minutes. Bentonite is obtained from Kab. North Aceh which has been modified with CTAB surfactant. The sample formulations used were single PCL and PCL polymers each given 3, 5 and 8 % chitosan fillers. A mixture of PCL / PLA (50: 50) was given 3, 5 and 8 % chitosan / bentonite fillers. The sample is a white plastic rod (bone) material which is tested for its nature through several types of characterization. Modified bentonite and chitosan have an effect on increasing the mechanical and thermal properties of PCL, PLA and mixture polymers both based on the results of tensile test, TGA test (thermal) and bacterial test. PCL / PLA 50:50 with the addition of 8 % bentonite-chitosan filler is the most perfect composition which provides the best test value.

LPDE/Alumina Based Bio-Nano Composite Materials for Food Packaging Applications

Bio nano-materials are playing an important part in a number of applications due to their inherent eco-friendly advantages since the last few decades. Most of the materials used in food packaging are not degradable material, which do not meet increasing demands in society for sustainability and environmental safety. Thus, numerous polymers have been applied to develop biodegradable food packaging materials. However, the use of polymers has been limited due to the poor mechanical and barrier properties. These properties can be enhanced by adding reinforcing nano-sized compounds or fillers to form composites. The current research work is based on LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) reinforced with nano alumina particles. The bio-nano composite material has been prepared by melt intercalation method. The microstructure is obtained by SEM analysis and tensile test are carried out to check with their tensile property. The results showed that by adding 1% of alumina nano particles in LDPE there is an increase in tensile strength and elongation of bio-nano composite materials.

Incorporating nanoplate-like hydroxyapatite into polylactide for biomimetic nanocomposites via direct melt intercalation

Natural apatite in human bones is nanoplate shaped. However, nanocomposites with nanoplate-like hydroxyapatite (np-HAp) have been poorly exploited. Herein, polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites reinforced with biomimetic np-HAp were fabricated by exfoliating laminated hydroxyapatite via direct melt intercalation method which was realized using scalable extrusion and injection molding processes. The physicochemical properties of the resulting np-HAp/PLA nanocomposites were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mechanical testing. In addition, the biocompatibility and in vitro bioactivity were systematically investigated. The influence of np-HAp content on mechanical properties, thermal stability, hydrophilicity, and particularly biocompatibility and in vitro bioactivity were evaluated. It is found that the np-HAp/PLA nanocomposites not only show improved mechanical properties and thermal stability, but also exhibit improved cell spreading and proliferation. More importantly, the np-HAp/PLA nanocomposites exhibit excellent in vitro bioactivity due to the biomimetic nanoplate shape that has large surface area and abundant exposed active sites than other HAp shapes. It has been demonstrated that such unique nanocomposites show promising as a new biomaterial for load-bearing orthopedic implants.

Pengaruh Penambahan Carboxymethyl Cellulose Terhadap Karakteristik Bioplastik Dari Pati Ubi Nagara (Ipomoea batatas L.)

Synthesis and characterization of bioplastics from Nagara sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L) starch with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a filler has been conducted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of CMC addition on the characteristic of bioplastics from Nagara sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L) starch. Bioplastic synthesis was carried out by the melt intercalation method with variations in the amount of CMC 0-30% (w/w). Bioplastics were analyzed using FTIR spectrophotometer, thickness, solubility, water resistance, water vapor transmission rate, tensile strength and elongation. The values of the tensile strength of the bioplastic produced increases with increasing of CMC. The results also showed that the optimum CMC concentration in bioplastics production is 9% (w/w) with a tensile strength value 0.5281 N/mm2.