Structural characterization of LDPE/EVA blends containing nanoclay‐flame retardant combinations

The combination of different types of organo‐modified montmorillonite (MMT) with aluminum hydroxide (aluminum trihydrate—ATH), as a flame retardant system for polyethylene‐ethylene vinyl acetate (LDPE/EVA), blends were studied. Five different types of organically modified montmorillonite clays, each with different modifier, were used. The structural characterization was carried out by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy in transmission mode (STEM). The mechanical and rheological properties were also evaluated. The XRD analysis showed a clear displacement of the d₀₀₁ signal, which indicates a good degree of intercalation, especially for the MMT‐I28 and MMT‐20, from Nanocor and Southern Clay Products, respectively. The presence of ATH and the compatibilizer did not have any effect on the exfoliation of the studied samples. The thermal stability and flame retardant properties were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI—ASTM D2863), and flammability tests (Underwriters Laboratory—UL‐94). The effect of different compatibilizers on the clay dispersion and exfoliation was studied. The results indicated that the addition of montmorillonite makes it possible to substitute part of the ATH filler content while maintaining the flame retardant requirements. The thermal stability of MMT/ATH‐filled LDPE/EVA blends presented a slight increase over the reference ATH‐filled LDPE/EVA blend. Compositions with higher clay content (10 wt %) showed better physicochemical properties. The increased stability of the higher clay content compositions results from the greater inorganic residual formation; this material has been reported to impart better performance in flammability tests. The mechanical properties and flame retardancy remained similar to those of the reference compound. The reduced ATH content resulted in lower viscosities and densities, facilitating the processing of the polymer/ATH/clay compounds. Extrusion of these compounds produced a lower pressure in the extrusion head and required reduced electrical power consumption. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Multiwalled carbon nanotube/montmorillonite hybrid filled ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties,thermal stability,and dielectric response

Homogeneous multiwalled carbon nanotube/montmorillonite hybrid filler (HMM) dispersion was prepared by co‐ultrasonication and was subsequently used to prepare ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites by solution blending method. XRD and TEM analysis of HMM confirm significant interaction between the montmorillonite (MMT) layers and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in line with previous reports. Analysis of the nanocomposites shows the constituent fillers to be homogeneously dispersed in EVA matrix. Mechanical properties of neat EVA are remarkably improved with HMM content up to 3 wt% followed by reversion. Maximum improvement observed in tensile strength, elongation at break, and toughness are 424%, 109%, and 1122%, respectively. Results show maximum thermal stability at 4 wt% and best dielectric response at 1 wt% HMM content. Exceptional mechanical and dielectric properties of EVA nanocomposites attained may be attributed to homogeneous dispersion of fillers and improved polymer–filler interaction. Comparison shows excellent synergy between MWCNT and MMT towards mechanical reinforcement of EVA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1155–1165, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical characterization of high‐performance graphene oxide incorporated aligned fibroporous poly(carbonate urethane) membrane for potential biomedical applications

In this article, we report the development of graphene oxide (GO) reinforced electrospun poly(carbonate urethane) (PCU) nanocomposite membranes intended for biomedical applications. In this study, we aimed to improve the mechanical properties of PCU fibroporous electrospun membranes through fiber alignment and GO incorporation. Membranes with 1, 1.5, and 3% loadings of GO were evaluated for their morphology, mechanical properties, crystallinity, biocompatibility, and hemocompatibility. The mechanical properties were assessed under both static and dynamic conditions to explore the tensile characteristics and viscoelastic properties. The results show that GO presented a good dispersion and exfoliation in the PCU matrix, contributing to an increase in the mechanical performance. The static mechanical properties indicated a 55% increase in the tensile strength, a 127% increase in toughness for 1.5 wt % GO loading and the achievement of a maximum strength reinforcement efficiency value at the same loading. Crystallinity changes in membranes were examined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. In vitro cytotoxicity tests with L‐929 fibroblast cells and percentage hemolysis tests with fresh venous blood displayed the membranes to be cytocompatible with acceptable levels of hemolytic characteristics. Accordingly, these results highlight the potential of this mechanically improved composite membrane's application in the biomedical field. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41809.     

The effect of clay type and of clay–masterbatch product in the preparation of polypropylene/clay nanocomposites

Clay containing polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites were prepared by direct melt mixing in a twin screw extruder using different types of organo‐modified montmorillonite (Cloisite 15 and Cloisite 20) and two masterbatch products, one based on pre‐exfoliated clays (Nanofil SE 3000) and another one based on clay–polyolefin resin (Nanomax‐PP). Maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA) was used as a coupling agent to improve the dispersability of organo‐modified clays. The effect of clay type and clay–masterbatch product on the clay exfoliation and nanocomposite properties was investigated. The effect of PP‐g‐MA concentration was also considered. Composite morphologies were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG‐SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The degree of dispersion of organo‐modified clay increased with the PP‐g‐MA content. The thermal and mechanical properties were not affected by organo‐modified clay type, although the masterbatch products did have a significant influence on thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Intercalation/exfoliation was not achieved in the Nanofil SE 3000 composite. This masterbatch product has intercalants, whose initial decomposition temperature is lower than the processing temperature (T ～ 180°C), indicating that their stability decreased during the process. The Nanomax‐PP composite showed higher thermal and flexural properties than pure PP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Functional copolymer/organo‐MMT nanoarchitectures. II. Dynamic mechanical behavior of poly(MA‐co‐BMA)s‐organo‐MMT clay nanocomposites

Functional copolymer/organo‐silicate [N,N′‐dimethyldodecyl ammonium cation surface modified montmorillonite (MMT)] layered nanocomposites have been synthesized by interlamellar complex‐radical copolymerization of preintercalated maleic anhydride (MA)/ organo‐MMT complex as a ‘nano‐reactor’ with n‐butyl methacrylate (BMA) as an internal plasticization comonomer in the presence of radical initiator. Synthesized copolymers and their nanocomposites were investigated by dynamic mechanic analysis, X‐ray diffraction, SEM, and TEM methods. It was found that nanocomposite dynamic mechanical properties strongly depend on the force of interfacial MA … organo‐MMT complex formation and the amount of flexible n‐butyl ester linkages. An increase in both of these parameters leads to enhanced intercalation and exfoliation in situ processes of copolymer chains and the formation of hybrid nanocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

High‐performance polyimide–clay nanocomposite materials based on a dual intercalating agent system

BACKGROUND: Polymer–clay nanocomposites (PCNs) have attracted considerable interest in recent years owing to their unique physical and chemical properties that lead to a wide range of applications. A series of PCN materials consisting of polyimide and layered montmorillonite (MMT) clay were successfully prepared by in situ polymerization. RESULTS: Silicate layers are better dispersed in polymer matrices when dual intercalating agents (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide–4,4′‐oxydianiline) are applied for MMT modification according to wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies. Effects of single and dual intercalating agents on thermal stability, mechanical strength and the molecular barrier of PCN materials consisting of organo‐modified MMT were studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analyses, gas permeability analysis and vapor permeability analysis. CONCLUSION: Improved thermal and mechanical stabilities, as well as barrier properties were observed for the PCN materials containing dual intercalating agent‐modified MMT. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation and characterization of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer/montmorillonite nanocomposite

Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and monmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites have been investigated as a function of vinyl acetate content and molecular weight of EVA and types of substituted alkyl ammonium of MMT. It is found that vinyl acetate content and type of substituted alkyl ammonium are important factors for the intercalation behaviour of MMT in MMT/EVA nanocomposite. Maleic anhydride grafted high‐density polyethylene was used as a compatibilizer to improve the intercalation behaviour of MMT. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the intercalation/exfoliation behaviour, and mechanical properties were measured. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of polymer matrix/montmorillonite compatibility on morphology and melt rheology of polypropylene nanocomposites

In this study, Ca²⁺‐montmorillonite (Ca²⁺‐MMT) and organo‐montmorillonite (OMMT) were modified by three compatibilizers with different degrees of polarity [poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), alkyl‐PEG, and polypropylene (PP)‐g‐PEG]. PP/MMT nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending and characterized using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed the degree of dispersion of OMMT in the PP/PP‐g‐PEG/OMMT (PMOM) nanocomposite was considerably higher than those in the PP/PEG/OMMT and PP/alkyl‐PEG/OMMT nanocomposites, which indicated that the dispersion was relative to the compatibility between modified OMMT and PP matrix. Linear viscoelasticity of PP/MMT nanocomposites in melt states was investigated by small amplitude dynamic rheology measurements. With the addition of the modified MMT, the shear viscosities and storage modulus of all the PP/MMT nanocomposites decreased. It can be attributed to the plasticization effect of PEG segments in the three modifiers. This rheological behavior was different from most surfactant modified MMT nanocomposites which typically showed an increase in dynamic modulus and viscosity relative to the polymer matrix. The unusual rheological observations were explained in terms of the compatibility between the polymer matrix and MMT. In addition, the mechanical properties of PP/MMT nanocomposites were improved. A simultaneous increase in the tensile strength and toughness was observed in PP/PMOM nanocomposites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

The effect of montmorillonite and compatibilizer quantities on stiffness and toughness of polyamide nanoblends

Although polymer blend nanocomposites are widely studied, the balance between stiffness and toughness has not yet been investigated in detail. Some materials producers as well as some sectors in the automotive industry try to improve the toughness of materials without an important loss in stiffness. With this in mind, the aim of the study reported here was to obtain a good balance between toughness and stiffness of polymer blends with different amounts of clay and compatibilizer. In this context, the microstructure of polyamide 6/ethylene–propylene–diene metallocene terpolymer/(ethylene–propylene–diene copolymer)‐graft‐(maleic anhydride) blends with various amounts of clay (2, 3, 4 and 5 wt%) and compatibilizer (10 and 20 wt%) was studied to analyse the achieved morphology to understand the macroscopic properties. The morphology of the rubber phase and the dispersion of the montmorillonite (MMT) are the main factors that influence the mechanical properties. In this sense, the highest Young's modulus is achieved for nanoblends with 5 wt% of MMT, although this nanoblend has the lowest value of notched Izod impact strength. The results obtained suggest that there is a clear trade‐off between stiffness, toughness and temperature behaviour when the ratio of (ethylene–propylene–diene copolymer)‐graft‐(maleic anhydride) to MMT is 5:1. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation and properties of polyethylene/montmorillonite nanocomposites formed via ethylene copolymerization

BACKGROUND: In situ formation of polyethylene/clay nanocomposites is one of the prevalent preparation methods that include also solution blending and melt blending with regard to process simplification, economy in cost, environment protection and marked improvement in the mechanical properties of the polymeric matrix. In the work reported here, the preparation of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and fabrication of polymer/clay nanocomposites were combined into a facile route by immobilizing pre‐catalysts for ethylene oligomerization on montmorillonite (MMT). RESULTS: [(2‐ArN?C(Me))₂C₅H₃N]FeCl₂ (Ar = 2,4‐Me₂(C₆H₃)) was supported on MMT treated using three different methods. The MMT‐supported iron complex together with metallocene compound rac‐Et(Ind)₂ZrCl₂ catalyzed ethylene to LLDPE/MMT nanocomposites upon activation with methylaluminoxane. The oligomer that was formed between layers of MMT promoted further exfoliation of MMT layers. The LLDPE/MMT nanocomposites were highly stable upon heating. Detailed scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the marked improvement in impact strength of the LLDPE/MMT nanocomposites originated from the dispersed MMT layers which underwent cavitation upon impact and caused plastic deformation to absorb most of the impact energy. In general, the mechanical properties of the LLDPE/MMT nanocomposites were improved as a result of the uniform dispersion of MMT layers in the LLDPE matrix. CONCLUSION: The use of the MMT‐supported iron‐based diimine complex together with metallocene led to ethylene copolymerization between layers of MMT to form LLDPE/MMT nanocomposites. The introduction of exfoliated MMT layers greatly improved the thermal stability and mechanical properties of LLDPE. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

High‐performance hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber composites by in situ interfacial design of nanoclays

Considering industrial requests, it has become a hot issue to prepare advanced rubber composites with high strength and great toughness. Despite enhanced strength and stiffness, rubber composites suffer markedly reduced extensibility and toughness. Herein, a novel interfacial strategy is proposed to fabricate amine‐modified montmorillonite (MMT)/hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber composites by designing in situ ionic bond interfaces. The well‐distributed interfaces, which are composed of protonated amine groups on the MMT surfaces and electronegative methacrylic acid (MA), were constructed by adding a slurry with a small amount of MMT and MA to rubber. After the vulcanization, self‐polymerization of MA developed nanoparticles and grafting structures onto rubber chains to bond MMT by strong ion attractions. Although the crosslinking degree of rubber was reduced, the dispersion of MMT and its interfacial interactions with rubber were improved remarkably, as demonstrated by morphology observations, dynamic mechanical analysis and infrared spectra. As a result, the strength, modulus, elongation, toughness and gas barrier properties of the rubber composites were simultaneously strikingly improved relative to composites without MA modifiers. We believe that this work provides a promising methodology of fabricating high‐performance rubber composites. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry     

Epoxy composites based on amino‐silylated MMT: The role of interfaces and clay morphology

Epoxy‐based composites containing sodium montmorillonite (MMT) modified by silylation reaction with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (A1100) and N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (A1120) were prepared. The effect of MMT chemical functionalization, as well as inorganic content and dispersion method (i.e., sonication or combination of sonication and ball‐milling) on the morphology and mechanical and thermal properties of composites was thoroughly investigated by X‐ray diffraction analysis, dynamic mechanical and tensile static analysis, nanoindentation measurements and cone calorimeter tests. Morphological characterization showed that the MMT particles are only slightly intercalated by epoxy molecules. Tensile stress, elongation at failure, and toughness of the epoxy composites based on silylated MMT were found to be improved. The presence of 1 and 3% wt/wt of A1100 and A1120 silylated MMT clays allowed the tensile elastic modulus to increase respectively, of about 10 and 15% with respect to the pristine epoxy matrix. The overall results showed that (1) the silylation of MMT clays is a valuable method to improve the interfacial interaction between filler and epoxy matrix and (2) the interfacial interaction plays a role more significant than the clay morphology (i.e., the extent of clay intercalation/exfoliation) over the composite properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Assessing organo‐clay dispersion in polymer nanocomposites

Organo‐clay polymer nanocomposites offer improved material properties at very low filler loadings making them of immediate interest for application in body panels, claddings, and instrument panels. This improvement in properties requires that the organo‐clay be well dispersed if not completely exfoliated. Conventionally, the dispersion and exfoliation of the organo‐clay is evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Although both TEM and XRD data were found to correlate with flexural modulus of thermoplastic olefin nanocomposite materials, only TEM proved successful in quantifying the dispersion of the organo‐clay in all nanocomposite materials (exfoliated, tactoid, or agglomerated tactoid). XRD was found to be capable of detecting exfoliation and intercalation but is limited because of clay dilution, preferred orientation, mixed‐layering, and other peak broadening factors. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1110–1117, 2004     

Effect of shear rate on structural,mechanical, and barrier properties of chitosan/montmorillonite nanocomposite film

The dispersion of MMT‐Na⁺ (montmorillonite) layers in a chitosan polymer matrix, using the homogenization, was performed. The effect of shear rate was characterized on the mechanical, barrier, and structural properties of nanocomposites. Elongation at break (EAB) was unaffected by shear rate, which decreased after homogenization, increased above 13,000 rpm, however, tensile strength (TS) dramatically increased up to 59 MPa at 16,000 rpm. Water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP) of the homogenized nanocomposite decreased more than that of untreated nanocomposite and OP was not significantly changed above 16,000 rpm of shear rate. XRD result and TEM images indicated that three types of tactoids, exfoliation, and intercalation were generated and the largest distance of 18.87 Å between MMT‐Na⁺ layers was produced at 16,000 rpm. The results indicate that homogenization was a beneficial method for effectively dispersing MMT‐Na⁺ layers in a chitosan polymer matrix and that a shear rate of 16,000 rpm was the effective condition. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Mechanical and thermal properties of toughened PA6/HDPE/SEBS‐g‐MA/Clay nanocomposite

Preparation and morphology of Polyamide 6 (PA6)/high density polyethylene (HDPE)/Styrene/Ethylene–Butylene/Styrene grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA)/Modified clay nanocomposites were studied. Mixing was performed using melting process in an extruder co‐rotating twin screw. After etching the materials with boiling toluene and THF at room temperature, the morphology of sample checked by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) used for evaluation of the effects of organo‐clay addition in the structure of nanocomposites. XRD traces showed that the characteristic (001) peak of the nanocomposites shifted to the lower degree region. XRD and SEM results showed more uniformly distribution and dispersion of HDPE in the PA6 matrix. Better sample morphology obtained, regarding less distance, and more uniformity between nanoparticles. The mechanical properties like tensile strength, impact strength, hardness and thermal properties of these toughened nanocomposites are discussed in terms of the nanoclay, SEBS‐g‐MA contents and morphology. Adding nanoclay improved hardness of nanocomposites product but reduced toughness and thermal properties. Meanwhile the presence of SEBS‐g‐MA as a compatibilizer improved toughness, thermal properties, hardness property, and the balance properties are achieved. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:29–33, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of granulometry and organic treatment of a Brazilian montmorillonite on the properties of poly(styrene‐co‐n‐butyl acrylate)/layered silicate nanocomposites prepared by miniemulsion polymerization

The influence of granulometry and organic treatment of a Brazilian montmorillonite (MMT) clay on the synthesis and properties of poly(styrene‐co‐n‐butyl acrylate)/layered silicate nanocomposites was studied. Hybrid latexes of poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate)/MMT were synthesized via miniemulsion polymerization using either sodium or organically modified MMT. Five clay granulometries ranging from clay particles smaller than 75 μm to colloidal size were selected. The size of the clay particles was evaluated by specific surface area measurements (BET). Cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride was used as an organic modifier to enhance the clay compatibility with the monomer phase before polymerization and to improve the clay distribution and dispersion within the polymeric matrix after polymerization. The sodium and organically modified natural clays as well as the composites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The latexes were characterized by dynamic light scattering. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of the composites obtained were characterized by dynamical‐mechanical analysis, thermogravimetry, and small amplitude oscillatory shear tests, respectively. The results showed that smaller the size of the organically modified MMT, the higher the degree of exfoliation of nanoplatelets. Hybrid latexes in presence of Na‐MMT resulted in materials with intercalated structures. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Synthesis and properties of poly(ester ether) multiblock copolymers/organomontmorillonite hybrid nanocomposite

In this article, poly(ester ether) multiblock copolymer/organomontmorillonite hybrid nanocomposites were prepared via an intercalation polymerization process. The resulting hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter, and transmission electron microscopy. The results proved that the organomontmorillonite (organo‐MMT) could be exfoliated into ～ 50‐nm thickness and dispersed in the poly(ester ether) multiblock copolymer (TPEE) matrix during the intercalation polymerization process. TPEE/organo‐MMT nanocomposites showed excellent mechanical properties compared with the unfilled TPEE. When the organo‐MMT content was about 3–5 wt %, MMT could enhance the strength, modulus, and hardness of TPEE without sacrificing its elongation at break. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 1716–1720, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10552     

Synthesis and properties of polyimide (containing naphthalene) nanocomposites with organo‐modified montmorillonites

2,7‐Bis(4‐aminophenoxy) naphthalene (BAPN), a naphthalene‐containing diamine, was synthesized and polymerized with a 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) to obtain a polyimide (PI) via thermal imidization. To enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer, PI–Montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared from a DMAc solution of poly(amic acid) and a DMAc dispersion of MMT, which were organo‐modified with various amounts of n‐dodecylamine (DOA) or cetylpyridium chloride (CPC). FTIR, XRD, and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) were used to verify the incorporation of the modifying agents into the clay structure and the intercalation of the organoclay into the PI matrix. Results demonstrated that the introduction of a small amount of MMT (up to 5%) led to the improvement in thermal stability and mechanical properties of PI. The decomposition temperature of 5% weight loss (T_d,5%) in N₂ was increased by 46 and 36°C in comparison with pristine PI for the organoclay content of 5% with DOA and CPC, respectively. The nanocomposites were simultaneously strengthened and toughened. The dielectric constant, CTE, and water absorption were decreased. However, at higher organoclay contents (5–10%), these properties were reduced because the organoclay was poorly dispersed and resulted in aggregate formation. The effects of different organo‐modifiers on the properties of PI–MMT nanocomposite were also studied; the results showed that DOA was comparable with CPC. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006     

Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer/ethylene vinyl acetate/layered silicate ternary nanocomposite by solution method

A new ternary nanocomposite has been developed using ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA‐45) copolymer, and organically modified layered silicate (16 Me‐MMT) from sodium montmorillonite (Na⁺‐MMT). Wide angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic analysis confirmed the intercalation of the polymer chains in between the organosilicate layers and the nanoscale distribution of 16 Me‐MMT in polymer matrix, respectively. The measurement of mechanical properties for 2–8 wt% of 16 Me‐MMT loadings showed a significant increase in tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus at different elongations. Such an improvement in mechanical properties has been correlated based on the fracture behavior of nanocomposite by SEM analysis. Thermal stability of EPDM/EVA/layered silicate ternary nanocomposites also showed substantial improvements compared with the neat EPDM/EVA blend, confirming thereby the formation of a high performance nanocomposite. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:437–843, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The Effect of Antibacterial Particle Incorporation on the Mechanical Properties,Biodegradability, and Biocompatibility of PLA and PHBV Composites

The composites based on polylactide (PLA) and poly (3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with the addition of antibacterial particles: silver (Ag) and copper oxide (CuO) are characterized. Basic mechanical properties and biodegradation processes, as well as biocompatibility of materials with human cells are determined. The addition of Ag or CuO to the polymers do not significantly affect their mechanical properties, flammability, or biodegradation rate. However, several differences between the base materials are observed. PLA‐based composites have higher tensile and impact strength values, while PHBV‐based ones have a higher modulus of elasticity, as well as better mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. Concerning biocompatibility, each of the tested materials support the growth of fibroblasts over time, although large differences are observed in the initial cell attachment. The analysis of hydrolytic degradation effects on the structure of materials shows that PHBV degrades much faster than PLA. The results of this study confirm the good potential of the investigated biodegradable polymer composites with antibacterial particles for future biomedical applications.