Reinforcement of graphene nanoplatelets on plasticized poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites: Mechanical,thermal, morphology,and antibacterial properties |
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| Authors: | Buong Woei Chieng Nor Azowa Ibrahim Wan Md Zin Wan Yunus Mohd Zobir Hussein Yoon Yee Then Yuet Ying Loo |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia;2. Department of Chemistry, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;3. Materials Synthesis and Characterization Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia;4. Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia |
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| Abstract: | Plasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐based nanocomposites filled with graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP) and containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and epoxidized palm oil (EPO) with ratio 2 : 1 (2P : 1E) as hybrid plasticizer were prepared by melt blending method. The key objective is to take advantage of plasticization to increase the material ductility while preserving valuable stiffness, strength, and toughness via addition of xGnP. The tensile modulus of PLA/2P : 1E/0.1 wt % xGnP was substantially improved (30%) with strength and elasticity maintained, as compared to plasticized PLA. TGA analysis revealed that the xGnP was capable of acting as barrier to reduce thermal diffusion across the plasticized PLA matrix, and thus enhanced thermal stability of the plasticized PLA. Incorporation of xGnP also enhanced antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites toward Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41652. |
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| Keywords: | mechanical properties morphology polyesters properties and characterization thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) |
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