Percolated Network Structure Research Articles

Effect of carbon black and chain extender on thermal, rheological and mechanical properties of fully biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) blends

AbstractDifferent carbon black (CB) contents in poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P34HB) blends were prepared by melt blending using chain extender multifunctional styrene‐acrylic‐ epoxy random oligomer (ADR), as a compatibilizer. PBAT and P34HB were immiscible, and ADR could react with PBAT and P34HB to improve interfacial adhesion force and molecular entanglement. CB fillers were uniformly and selectively located in the PBAT matrix and could act as a nucleating agent to promote the nucleation of PBAT crystallization. At a CB content of 5 wt%, a percolation network structure of CB was formed. The most interesting result in the work was the achievement of composites with improved rheological and mechanical properties under the synergistic effect of chain extender and CB fillers. The viscoelasticity of the system was markedly improved and a transition from liquid‐like to solid‐like behavior was observed. Young's modulus and yield strength of chain extender modified PBAT/P34HB/CB composite with 10 wt% CB increased by 502% and 69% compared to neat PBAT, and by 89% and 43% compared to PBAT/P34HB binary blend. The combination of improved melt viscoelasticity and mechanical properties will further broaden the practical application of biodegradable polymers. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Reactivity-Guided Depercolation Processes Determine Fracture Behavior in End-Linked Polymer Networks.

The fracture of polymer networks is tied to the molecular behavior of strands within the network, yet the specific molecular-level processes that determine the mechanical limits of a network remain elusive. Here, the question of reactivity-guided fracture is explored in otherwise indistinguishable end-linked networks by tuning the relative composition of strands with two different mechanochemical reactivities. Increasing the substitution of less mechanochemically reactive ("strong") strands into a network comprising more reactive ("weak") strands has a negligible impact on the fracture energy until the strong strand content reaches approximately 45%, at which point the fracture energy sharply increases with strong strand content. This aligns with the measured strong strand percolation threshold of 48 ± 3%, revealing that depercolation, or the loss of a percolated network structure, is a necessary criterion for crack propagation in a polymer network. Coarse-grained fracture simulations agree closely with the tearing energy trend observed experimentally, confirming that weak strand scissions dominate the failure until the strong strands approach percolation. The simulations further show that twice as many strands break in a mixture than in a pure network.

The cocontinuous morphology induced from the graphene nanosheets percolation network structures in the immiscible high density polyethylene/polyamide 6/graphene nanosheets composites

AbstractThe addition of graphene nanosheets (GNSs) into immiscible polymer composites to induce the cocontinuous morphologies shows potential application in reinforced nanocomposites and conductive polymer nanocomposites. In this work, immiscible high density polyethylene (HDPE)/polyamide 6 (PA6)/GNS composites were prepared via melt mixing. The electrical and rheological property of HDPE/PA6 composites filled with various GNS contents according to different viscosity ratios and mixing orders were investigated to reveal the double percolation effect via percolation scaling laws, and compared with those of HDPE/GNS and PA6/GNS composites. The morphology and GNS dispersion state of HDPE/PA6/GNS composites were examined via transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscope. Most of the GNS were selectively located in the PA6 phase of HDPE/PA6/GNS composites. The GNS‐related network and mixing order played important roles in the cocontinuous morphology formation and performance of HDPE/PA6/GNS conductive composites. Moreover, the addition of GNS also affected the crystallization kinetics and mechanical property of HDPE/PA6/GNS composites.

Conductive Korean Traditional Paper (Hanji) Coupled with Ag Nanowire for Functional Electronic Paper Windows in Hanok

AbstractKorean traditional paper known as Hanji is coupled with Ag nanowires (NWs) to be used as multi‐functional paper windows in wooden flame doors of a traditional Korean house (Hanok). The Ag NW is uniformly embedded in a handmade Hanji, consisting of multiple laminated sheets formed through ssangbal filtering up and spray method. The combination demonstrates a low sheet resistance of 28 Ohm square−1because of a percolating network structure of Ag NWs, which is apt for interconnectors and electrodes. Owing to the flexibility of the Hanji and Ag NWs, outstanding mechanical flexibility, apt for curved or flexible electronic paper windows, is observed. To further examine the potential of the multi‐functional electronic paper window, anti‐bacterial and electromagnetic interference shield properties of the Hanji are also investigated. It is noted that the functional Hanji sterilizes 99.9% of staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia and shows 15 dB (12–18 GHz) shielding efficiency due to the existence of the metallic Ag NWs network. In addition, successful operation of Hanji‐based interconnectors, thin film heaters, and touch panels demonstrates that the Hanji‐based electronic paper window can be used as a device‐integrated paper window in traditional Hanok or oriental traditional houses.

Nonmonotonic Variation of Rutting Resistance and Fatigue Life for Polyethylene Modified Bitumen with Different Carbon Black Loading

Polyethylene (PE) and carbon black (CB) were premixed in this study for bitumen modification. The service performance of PE/CB-modified bitumen (PMB) was mainly explored by multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) and linear amplitude sweep (LAS) tests to reveal the rutting resistance and fatigue life, respectively. Low-temperature properties were evaluated by glass transition temperature (Tg) measured by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). X-ray diffraction (XRD) results suggested that the crystalline structure of PE was almost the same regardless of different CB loading additions. It was found that the both rutting resistance and fatigue life of PMBs showed nonmonotonic variation with CB loading. The mechanism for this variation was closely related to the microstructure induced by phase separation, CB nanoparticle aggregation and PE crystallinity. As revealed by optical and atomic force microscopy, two different phase structures, network and droplet-matrix structure, can be formed in PMBs when the CB loading changes. In particular, a double percolated network structure can be formed, consisting of a PE-rich network in the bitumen-matrix and CB nanoparticle network within a PE-rich phase. With the presence of this structure, the rutting resistance and fatigue life of PMB can be significantly improved.

Effect of chitosan-protocatechuic acid conjugate on stability and encapsulation capacity of polysaccharide-based high internal phase emulsion

The aim of this work was to fabricate chitosan-protocatechuic acid (CSPA) conjugates by free radical grafting method and use them as novel emulsifiers to inhibit lipid oxidation and delay the photodegradation rate of curcumin in polysaccharide-based high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). Results of UV–vis, FT-IR and 1H NMR spectra demonstrated that PA had been successfully bonded to chitosan (CS) through ester and amino linkages. CSPA conjugates (especially those with the ratio of CS to PA of 1:0.75) showed significantly increased water solubility and antioxidant activity than CS monomer. Furthermore, compared with sole OSA starch (OSAS), the electrostatic combination of CS and CSPA conjugate with OSAS could further reduce the interfacial tension, which was conducive to their adsorption at the oil-water interface. The introduction of CS and CSPA conjugate also increased the viscosity of aqueous phase and promoted the formation of gel-like percolating network structure, thereby effectively preventing droplets coalescence and endowing HIPEs with ideal viscoelasticity. More importantly, the contents of lipid hydroperoxide (24.09 μmol/g oil) and malondialdehyde (166.71 nmol/g oil) in HIPEs prepared by OSAS-CS-CSPA complexes were lower than those stabilized by OSAS, OSAS-CS and OSAS-CSPA complexes during accelerated storage. In addition, HIPEs prepared by OSAS-CS-CSPA complexes showed stronger protection capacity on curcumin against ultraviolet irradiation and natural light degradation. This study will provide useful information and technical reference for the fabrication of antioxidant polysaccharide-based HIPEs delivery vehicles.

Transparent, elastomer-free capacitive pressure sensors using CuNWs and ultrathin UV-cured polymer

• Transparent, elastomer-free capacitive sensors are obtained based on CuNWs. • The sensor can resist 1000 bending cycles at a curvature radius of 0.5 mm. • The senor possesses a high optical transmittance of 81.1%. • A suggested mechanism of capacitance change for the sensor is proposed. • The senor possesses a high sensitivity. Highly flexible transparent piezo-capacitive sensors have been prepared via using a combination of Cu nanowire (NW) conductive network and UV-curable resin. The CuNWs are interconnected and randomly distributed on the substrate. The percolating network structure of CuNW electrode and the ultrathin thickness (4 μm) of polymer film, make the senor possess a high optical transmittance of 81.1 %. The strong affinity of resin to the CuNW networks stabilizes the sensor mechanically that it can resist 1000 bending cycles at a curvature radius of 0.5 mm. The capacitance is generated via the CuNW interdigital electrode pattern by the fringing effect, and increased with increasing the pressure acted on the surface of the sensor. The sensitivity is seven times larger than that of an elastomeric piezo-capacitive sensor with the same sensor design.

Crystallization and Rheology of Mono- and Diglycerides and Their Role in Stabilization of Emulsion Droplets in Model Topical Ointments.

The crystallization behavior of commercial mono- and diglycerides (MDG) in paraffin oil is studied to develop an in-depth understanding of the polymorphic transitions useful for the physical stability of petroleum oil-based topical emulsions. Optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed the formation of plate-like and spherulite crystals at high and low temperatures, in sequence, while cooling a solution of MDG dissolved in oil. High-resolution NMR and X-ray scattering demonstrate that 1-monoglycerides (mixture of 1-glyceride monostearate and 1-glyceride monopalmitate) cocrystallize to an inverse-lamellar structure (Lα polymorph) that mainly forms plate-like crystals at a higher temperature. The Lα polymorph is seen to exist up to room temperature during the cooling process. At lower temperatures, 1,3-diglycerides (mixture of 1,3-glyceryl distearate and 1,3-glyceryl dipalmitate) crystallize into β-polymorphs that form spherulites. The spherulites tend to assemble into elongated strands via aggregation, leading to the formation of a percolating network structure. The sizes of both types of crystals decrease with an increasing cooling rate, leading to a higher mechanical modulus due to the increased network connectivity of spherulites. In an emulsion, monoglycerides in the form of Lα polymorphs having plate-like crystal morphology show a higher affinity to the polar liquid/oil interface, thereby providing better interfacial stability compared to the spherulitic β-polymorphs. However, diglycerides in the form of spherulites form bulk network structures which provide network stabilization to the suspended droplets. This work demonstrates that MDG, a commercially available ingredient that combines the differential functionality of monoglycerides and diglycerides, is an effective, bifunctional, emulsifying agent for petrolatum-based topical emulsions.

Membrane cleaning strategy via in situ oscillation driven by piezoelectricity

Despite of the advanced progress made in membrane techniques, cleaning of membrane fouling remains challenging in membrane filtration process, especially during water purification, chemical and food production, etc. Existing techniques for alleviating membrane fouling such as ultrasound treatment can achieve limited improvement. Thus, developing more environmental-friendly, low-cost, and convenient cleaning strategies is highly desired. Here, we propose a self-cleaning concept of self-vibrating membrane with piezoelectric characteristics and demonstrate its feasibility in membrane anti-fouling. A well-designed piezoelectric membrane (ZnO-CNT/PVDF) has been constructed, where the in situ synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are served as a nucleation seed promoting the β-phase formation of poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and the percolation network structure is formed by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to achieve piezoelectric vibration. Encouragingly, the piezoelectric membrane resonated to external AC stimulus at 8 kHz and showed the highest vibration amplitude. The resultant ZnO-CNT/PVDF membrane demonstrated strong antifouling properties and excellent permeation recovery efficiency of 98.0% (AC, 12.5 V, 8 kHz), compared to 58.5% of the control ZnO-CNT/PVDF (0 V) and 53.0% of bare PVDF membrane (AC, 12.5 V, 8 kHz). The improved antifouling capacity benefited from that piezoelectric vibration could reduce the filtration resistances caused by concentration polarization (CP) layer and membrane fouling. Moreover, this antifouling mode of piezoelectric vibration is effective toward different charged foulants. This work demonstrates a novel and effective self-cleaning strategy for employing piezoelectric membrane in high-efficiency anti-fouling.

Novel protein-based nanoparticles from perilla oilseed residues as sole Pickering stabilizers for high internal phase emulsions

Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) have attracted tremendous attention as solid fat substitutes due to their high stability. However, biocompatibility and biodegradability of inorganic and synthetic stabilizers limit their applications. In this study, a novel perilla protein isolate based nanoparticle was prepared by pH-cycling combined with homogenization. Homogenization resulted in breakdown of larger protein-based particles, and formation of spherical nanoparticles with size of 224 nm and wettability of 105.5°. Stable Pickering HIPEs with an internal phase of 75% could be formed with nanoparticle concentration as low as 1.0% (m/v). The compressed polyhedral droplets of HIPEs formed a percolating network structure, which could not be disrupted by 6 mol⋅L−1 urea. Additionally, the elasticity of HIPEs could be slightly strengthened by increasing nanoparticle concentrations. All the HIPEs exhibited an interfacial protein adsorption around 50%, and the nanoparticles suffered greatly changes of secondary structure composition and tertiary conformation level when adsorbed at the biphase interface. The HIPEs at nanoparticle concentrations of 1.5–2.0% (m/v) were extremely stable against long-term storage, heating and ionic strength, but susceptible to freeze-thawing treatment. These findings will provide a theoretical reference for the development of novel food-grade Pickering HIPEs.

Electrical, rheological, and mechanical properties copolymer/carbon black composites

AbstractThis work aims to evaluate the electrical conductivity and the rheological and mechanical properties of copolymer/carbon black (CB) conductive polymer composites (CPCs). The copolymers, containing ethylene groups in their structure, used as matrix were polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PEgMA), ethylene‐methyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate (EMA‐GMA), and ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA). For comparison purposes, bio‐based polyethylene (BioPE)/CB composites were also studied. The electrical conductivity results showed that the electrical percolation threshold of BioPE/CB composite was 0.36 volume fraction of CB, whereas the rheological percolation threshold was 0.25 volume fraction of CB. The most conductive CPC was BioPE/CB. Among the copolymer/CB CPCs, PEgMA/CB showed the highest conductivity, which can be attributed to the fact that the PEgMA copolymer had higher crystallinity. It also has a higher amount of ethylene groups in its structure. Torque rheometry analysis indicated that EMA‐GMA copolymer may have reacted with CB. Rheological measurements under oscillatory shear flow indicated the formation of a percolated network in BioPE/CB and copolymer/CB composites. Morphology analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated the formation of a percolated network structure in BioPE/CB composite and finely dispersed CB particles within the PEgMA copolymer. Wetting of CB particles/agglomerates by the copolymer matrix was observed in EVA/CB and EMA‐GMA/CB composites. Conductive CB acted as reinforcing filler as it increased the elastic modulus and tensile strength of BioPE and the copolymers.

Enhanced rheological properties and heat resistance of poly (propylene carbonate) composites with carbon fiber

Sustainable composites of poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC) and carbon fiber (CF) were prepared by melt mixing. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that when the CF content was less than 20 wt%, CF was uniformly dispersed in the PPC matrix. Incorporation of CF greatly improved the rheological properties of PPC/CF composites. Once the CF content was increased to 20 wt%, a percolation network structure composed of CF was formed, causing the composite to exhibit a solid-like behavior. Furthermore, CF could serve as an excellent reinforcing agent for PPC, characterizing that the storage modulus of the composite with 20 wt% CF was increased by 333% and 2367% at 20 °C and 50 °C, respectively. Finally, the addition of CF could increase the glass transition temperature and vicat softening temperature of PPC/CF composites, thereby improving their heat resistance.

Increasing N2200 Charge Transport Mobility to Improve Performance of All Polymer Solar Cells by Forming a Percolation Network Structure.

The poor electron transport ability of the polymer acceptor is one of the factors restricting the performance of all-polymer solar cells. The percolation network of conjugated polymers can promote its charge transfer. Hence, we aim to find out the critical molecular weight (MW) of N2200 on the forming of the percolation network and to improve its charge mobility and thus photovoltaic performance of J51:N2200 blend. Detailed measurements demonstrate that when the MW of N2200 is larger than 96k, a percolation network structure is formed due to the chain tangled and multi-chain aggregations. Analysis of kinetic experiments reveals that it is the memory of the N2200 long chain conformation and the extent of aggregation in solution are carried into cast films for the formation of the percolation network. Thus, the electron mobility increases from 5.58 × 10−6 cm2V−1s−1 (N220017k) to 9.03 × 10−5 cm2V−1s−1 when the MW of N2200 is >96k. It led to a balance between hole and electron mobility. The μh/μe decrease from 16.9 to 1.53, causing a significant enhancement in the PCEs, from 5.87 to 8.28% without additives.

Sustainable Blends of Poly(propylene carbonate) and Stereocomplex Polylactide with Enhanced Rheological Properties and Heat Resistance

Sustainable blends of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) and stereocomplex polylactide (sc-PLA) were prepared by melt blending equimolar poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactide acid) (PDLA) with PPC to form sc-PLA crystals in situ in the melt blending process. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that only sc-PLA, no homo-crystallization of PLLA or PDLA, formed in the PPC matrix as the sc-PLA content was more than 10 wt%. Very intriguingly, scanning electronic microscopy observation showed that sc-PLA was evenly dispersed in the PPC phase as spherical particles and the sizes of sc-PLA particles did not obviously increase with increasing sc-PLA content. As a consequence, the rheological properties of PPC were greatly improved by incorporation of sc-PLA. When the sc-PLA content was 20 wt%, a percolation network structure was formed, and the blends showed solid-like behavior. The sc-PLA particles could reinforce the PPC matrix, especially at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of PPC. Moreover, the Vicat softening temperature of PPC/sc-PLA blends could be increased compared with that of neat PPC.

Biodegradable blends of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and stereocomplex polylactide with enhanced rheological, mechanical properties and thermal resistance

The aim of this study was to prepare a new blend system by blending equimolar poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactide acid) (PDLA) with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and to form stereocomplex polylactide (sc-PLA) during blending process. Then, sc-PLA would improve the performance of PBAT without compromising its biodegradability. Torque-time curve, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) measurements indicated that only sc-PLA formed in PBAT matrix. The phase morphology showed that sc-PLA particles were uniformly dispersed in PBAT matrix, and the sizes were independent of their contents. The rheological properties of PBAT were significantly enhanced by addition of sc-PLA, especially after the formation of a percolation network structure. With the increase of sc-PLA content, the blends displayed increased yield strength and modulus and decreased elongation at break and tensile strength. The sc-PLA particles could reinforce PBAT matrix. Compared with pure PBAT, the heat resistance of PBAT/sc-PLA blends was improved.

Fabrication and characterization of oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by macadamia protein isolate/chitosan hydrochloride composite polymers

To utilize macadamia protein isolate (MPI) from macadamia oil production waste, the emulsifying capacity of macadamia protein isolate (MPI) was investigated. MPI-chitosan hydrochloride (CHC) composite polymer (MCCP) was designed and fabricated using a two-step pH cycling method. The particle size, zeta potential, and stability of MCCPs with different CHC-to-MPI ratios were examined. MCCP fabricated with 20% CHC-to-MPI ratio was selected for emulsion preparation based on its particle size. MCCP stabilized emulsions better than either MPI alone or MPI mixed with CHC. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images proved that MCCP formed a layer on the surface of oil droplets. The surface loading and microstructure of the emulsion suggested that MCCPs stabilize the emulsion through a percolating network structure. The stability of the emulsions increased with increased MCCP concentration and oil fraction. Higher viscosity was also observed with higher MCCP concentration and oil fraction. The stability of the emulsion was then evaluated under different pH values and ionic strengths. Overall, this study successfully fabricated the composite polymers with MPI and CHC, and emulsions stabilized by the composite polymers. It provided a potential application of MPI in novel foods for individuals with vegetarian or Kosher requirements.

Blends of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and stereocomplex polylactide with improved rheological and mechanical properties.

Biodegradable blends of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and stereocomplex polylactide (sc-PLA) were prepared herein via a melt blending method at various sc-PLA loadings. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry results verified that complete stereocomplex polylactide crystallites in the PBAT could be achieved. Scanning electron microscopy observation indicated that sc-PLA was dispersed in the PBAT matrix as spherical particles; the dispersed size of the sc-PLA did not display a pronounced increase once the content of sc-crystallites reached a critical gel point. As solid fillers, sc-PLA could reinforce the PBAT matrix in a relatively wider temperature region and accelerate the non-isothermal crystallization of PBAT. The properties of PBAT were greatly improved after blending with sc-PLA, particularly when a percolation network structure of spherical filler had formed in the blends. In addition, all the blends showed higher yield stresses and moduli than those of the neat PBAT but exhibited reduction in elongations in tensile mechanical tests. These results would be interesting to the industrial polymer materials community, and may be of significant use and importance for the wider practical application of PBAT.

Effect of the organically modified vermiculite clay loading on the rheological and flammability properties of biopolyethylene/vermiculite clay biocomposites

In this work, the effect of the vermiculite (VMT) clay loading on the rheological properties and flammability of bio-based high-density polyethylene/organically modified VMT (BioHDPE/OVMT) clay biocomposites containing 0.5–10 phr of OVMT clay was investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the BioHDPE was intercalated between the OVMT clay galleries. BioHDPE/OVMT biocomposites containing 5 and 10 phr of OVMT clay exhibited a shear-thinning behavior and a better dispersion/distribution in the BioHDPE matrix. The biocomposite containing 10 phr of organoclay presented a percolated network structure. The elastic modulus increased with the increase in the OVMT loading whereas the tensile and impact strength remained almost unaffected. For the biocomposites containing the unmodified VMT clay, the burning rate decreased with the increase in the VMT loading. The opposite was observed for the biocomposites containing OVMT clay.

Morphological, thermal, rheological and mechanical properties of poly (butylene carbonate) reinforced by stereocomplex polylactide

Fully biodegradable blends of poly (butylene carbonate) (PBC) and a bioresource-based stereocomplex polylactide (sc-PLA) were prepared by melt compounding at a temperature far below the melting point (Tm) of sc-PLA, and above the Tm of PBC, poly (l-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(d-lactide) (PDLA). sc-PLA was uniformly dispersed in the PBC matrix as spherical particles. Interestingly, the size of the dispersed sc-PLA particles did not increase significantly with increasing amounts of PLLA and PDLA. sc-PLA accelerated the non-isothermal and isothermal melt crystallization of PBC. Simultaneously, the thermal decomposition temperature of the PBC/sc-PLA blends increased by about 46 °C. The solid filler sc-PLA could reinforce the PBC matrix over a relatively wide temperature range. Consequently, formation of the percolation network structure of spherical sc-PLA in the blends significantly improved the rheological and mechanical properties of PBC after incorporation of sc-PLA. This report may open a new avenue to achieve higher-performance biodegradable polymer blend materials.

Effect of natural and expanded vermiculite clays on the properties of eco-friendly biopolyethylene-vermiculite clay biocomposites

In this work, the effect of natural (NV) and expanded (EV) vermiculite clays on the properties of biopolyethylene (BioPE)-vermiculite clay biocomposites was investigated. It was observed that the addition of NV and EV clays to BioPE increased the Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) and improved the fire retardance. In general, the degree of crystallinity (Xc) of BioPE decreased with the increase in the NV clay content, whereas in the presence of EV clay, the decrease in the Xc was only observed for the EV clay content above 3 phr. From optical microscopy (OM) it was observed that EV clay particles were better dispersed in the BioPE matrix, whereas many NV clay agglomerates were formed. SEM micrographs showed a lack of adhesion between the BioPE matrix and the NV or EV clay, resulting in a decrease of tensile and impact strength. Rheological measurements under oscillatory shear flow indicated the formation of a percolated network structure in the BioPE-NV and BioPE-EV biocomposites containing 5 and 10 phr of NV or EV clay. The biocomposite containing 10 phr of EV clay presented the higher melt yield stress value. Rheological measurements at high shear rates showed that the processability of the biocomposites will be similar to that of neat BioPE.