Volume 129, Issue 4 pp. 1734-1744
Article

PLA/sepiolite and PLA/calcium carbonate nanocomposites: A comparison study

Mohammad Sabzi

Mohammad Sabzi

Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute (IPPI), 14965/115, Tehran, Iran

Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108

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Long Jiang

Corresponding Author

Long Jiang

Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108

Long Jiang, Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute (IPPI), 14965/115, Tehran, Iran===

Mohammad Atai, Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108===

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Mohammad Atai

Corresponding Author

Mohammad Atai

Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute (IPPI), 14965/115, Tehran, Iran

Long Jiang, Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute (IPPI), 14965/115, Tehran, Iran===

Mohammad Atai, Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108===

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Ismail Ghasemi

Ismail Ghasemi

Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute (IPPI), 14965/115, Tehran, Iran

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First published: 19 December 2012
Citations: 38

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA)-based nanocomposites comprising two different types of nanofillers, i.e. sepiolite (SEP) and nano calcium carbonate (NCC), were prepared by internal mixing and injection molding. Because of the different aspect ratio, surface area, and surface property of the nanofillers, their effects on the morphological, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were shown to be very different. NCC demonstrated more uniform particle dispersion and matrix compatibility than did SEP because of the former's surface treatment, thus leading to higher strength and strain-at-failure of PLA/NCC composites. On the other hand, larger aspect ratio and surface area of SEP caused higher melt viscosity, stronger shear thinning, and better thermal resistance of PLA/SEP composites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013

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