Mechanical properties of surface‐modified ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fiber reinforced natural rubber composites

The mechanical properties of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers reinforced natural rubber (NR) composites were determined, and the effects of fiber surface treatment and fiber mass fraction on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Chromic acid was used to modify the UHMWPE fibers, and the results showed that the surface roughness and the oxygen‐containing groups on the surface of the fibers could be effectively increased. The NR matrix composites were prepared with as‐received and chromic acid treated UHMWPE fibers added 0–6 wt%. The treated UHMWPE fibers increased the elongation at break, tear strength, and hardness of the NR composites, especially the tensile stress at a given elongation, but reduced the tensile strength. The elongation at break increased markedly with increasing fiber mass fraction, attained maximum values at 3.0 wt%, and then decreased. The tear strength and hardness exhibited continuous increase with increasing the fiber content. Several microfibrillations between the fiber and NR matrix were observed from SEM images of the fractured surfaces of the treated UHMWPE fibers/NR composites, which meant that the interfacial adhesion strength was improved. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1215–1220, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Enzyme‐mediated surface modification of jute and its influence on the properties of jute/epoxy composites

Surface modification of jute fibers is necessary to improve the adhesion and interfacial compatibility between fibers and resin matrix before using fibers in polymer composites. In this study, dodecyl gallate (DG) was enzymatically grafted onto the jute fiber by laccase to endow the fiber with hydrophobicity. A hand lay‐up technique was then adopted to prepare jute/epoxy composites. Contact angle and wetting time measurements showed that the surface hydrophobicity of the jute fabric was increased after the enzymatic graft modification. The water absorption and thickness swelling of the DG‐grafted jute fabric/epoxy composite were lower than those of the other composites. The tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of the jute/epoxy composites were enhanced by the surface modification. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed stronger fiber–matrix adhesion in composites with modified fibers. Therefore, the enzymatic graft modification increased the fiber–matrix interface area. The fiber–matrix adhesion was enhanced, and the mechanical properties of the composites were improved. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1327–1334, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of complexing treatment and epoxy resin coating on the properties of aramid fiber reinforced natural rubber

In this work, natural rubber/aramid fiber (NR/AF) composites were prepared with master batch method. AF was modified by using epoxy resin (EP) and accelerator 2‐ethyl‐4‐methylimidazole (2E4MZ) through surface coating on the basis of the complexing treatment with CaCl₂ solution. Hydroxyl‐terminated liquid isoprene rubber (LIR) was regarded as a compatibilizer between EP and NR. It is found that the crystallinity on AF surface is decreased by complexing reaction with CaCl₂ solution. Swelling and mechanical properties of the vulcanized composites, such as swelling degree, tensile and tear strength, tensile modulus at 300% elongation, are measured, and the tensile fracture morphology and dynamic mechanical analysis of the composites are investigated. The results show that the mechanical properties of composites with modified fibers are improved obviously and interfacial adhesion between matrix and the fiber is enhanced, especially for the AF coated with EP and imidazole. The best comprehensive mechanical properties of the composites are obtained with using CaCl₂‐EP/2E4MZ system when the ratio of m(EP)/m(AF) is 3%. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42122.     

Chemically modified oil palm ash‐filled natural rubber composites and its properties

Chemically modified Oil Palm Ash (OPA)‐filled natural rubber composites were prepared by modifying the functional group of OPA with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) prior to compounding by using laboratory conventional laboratory‐sized two‐roll mills. The functional groups of CTAB‐modified OPA were analyzed by using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and compared with those of non‐modified ones. The CTAB‐modified OPA‐filled NR composites showed shorter scorch time and cure time as compared to those of non‐modified OPA, which was attributed to the new functional groups occurred. The tensile test results showed that the OPA‐filled NR composites with CTAB modification exhibit improvement in tensile strength, tensile modulus, and hardness but lower elongation at break as compared to nonmodified ones. The tensile fractured surface of modified OPA filled NR composites revealed the well embedded and better distribution of CTAB‐modified OPA in NR matrix. The toluene uptake was also found to be lower for the modified OPA‐filled NR composites and showed better rubber–filler interaction; it further showed that surface modification with CTAB could compatibilize the OPA particles and NR matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:691–697, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Surface ammonification of the mutual‐irradiated aramid fibers in 1,4‐dichlorobutane for improving interfacial properties with epoxy resin

The mutual irradiated aramid fibers in 1,4‐dichlorobutane was ammoniated by ammonia/alcohol solution, in an attempt to improve the interfacial properties between aramid fibers and epoxy matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic contact angle analysis (DCA), interfacial shear strength (IFSS), and single fiber tensile testing were carried out to investigate the functionalization process of aramid fibers and the interfacial properties of the composites. Experimental results showed that the fiber surface elements content changed obviously as well as the roughness through the radiation and chemical reaction. The surface energy and IFSS of aramid fibers increased distinctly after the ammonification, respectively. The amino groups generated by ammonification enhanced the interfacial adhesion of composites effectively by participating in the epoxy resin curing. Moreover, benefited by the appropriate radiation, the tensile strength of aramid fibers was not affected at all. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44924.     

Modification of dry‐spun Suplon polyimide fibers by mixed‐acid oxidation and their effects on the properties of polypropylene‐resin‐based composites

In this study, the effects of mixed‐acid oxidation on the contents of surface elements, morphology, fiber fineness, mechanical properties, mass change rate, chemical structure, and microaggregate structure of dry‐spun Suplon polyimide (PI) fibers were systematically investigated with wet chemical treatment with HNO₃/H₂SO₄. Experiments investigating both the improvement in the O/C ratio of the fiber surface elements and the changes in other performance features were conducted through the functional modification of the fibers. Meanwhile, the causes of specific changes in the mechanical properties of the oxidized PI‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene‐resin‐based composites were studied and are discussed. The results of this study demonstrate that the treatment of the fibers with HNO₃/H₂SO₄ mixed‐acid oxidation resulted in significant changes in the properties of the fibers; these changes included an uneven surface, increased specific surface area and surface roughness, a locally etched surface, increased surface energy and O/C ratio, an enhanced wettability, an increased fiber fineness, reduced mechanical properties, and a mass gain in the fibers. Although the chemical structures of the fibers treated by oxidized HNO₃/H₂SO₄ were not significantly changed compared to those of the untreated fibers, the microscopic aggregation of the treated fibers changed to some degree, and the ratio of the amorphous regions significantly increased. Taken together, the functional modification of the PI fiber surface was achieved efficiently through the use of a suitable HNO₃/H₂SO₄ oxidation process and with other performance features of the fibers taken into account. This was favorable for the enhancement of the interfacial properties of the polypropylene fibers and the matrix resins, and thus, the modification improved the mechanical properties of the composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44932.     

Enhanced tribological performance of hybrid polytetrafluoroethylene/Kevlar fabric composite filled with milled pitch‐based carbon fibers

As self‐lubricating bearing liner materials, tribological properties of milled pitch‐based carbon fibers (CFs) modified polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/Kevlar fabric composites were investigated, and the microscopic morphology of worn surface was studied. The results show that the appropriate incorporation of CFs can obviously reduce the wear rate of the fabric composite with almost unchanging friction coefficient. The wear rates of 5 wt % CF‐filled PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites are decreased by 30% and 48% for two kinds of composites made with fibers from different producers compared with unfilled fabric composites. Scanning electron microscopy observations show that the appropriate incorporation of CFs obviously improves the interfacial bonding and reduces pull‐out and fracture of Kevlar fiber. Meanwhile, the introduction of CFs at proper fraction is helpful to form smooth and continuous transfer film on the surface of metal counterpart. The improving mechanism of the CF is attributed to increasing mechanical strength, thermal conductivity and self‐lubricating effects. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46269.     

One‐step latex compounding method for producing composites of natural rubber/epoxidized natural rubber/aminosilane‐functionalized montmorillonite: enhancement of tensile strength and oil resistance

Montmorillonite (Mt) was intercalated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and functionalized with three types of aminosilane (3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, n‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and 3‐[2‐(2‐aminoethylamino)ethylamino]propyltrimethoxysilane). The modified Mt was compounded with natural rubber (NR)/epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) via one‐step latex compounding. The effect of the modified Mt content on the oil resistance and mechanical properties of the NR/ENR/modified Mt composites was investigated. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of the composites showed partial intercalation/exfoliation of the modified Mt in the rubber matrix. Cryogenic fracture and X‐ray fluorescence results revealed highly dispersed modified Mt in the composites in the presence of 10 phr ENR. All three aminosilane groups slightly improved the oil resistance, with the long‐alkyl‐length group producing the greatest improvement. The addition of a small amount of modified Mt improved both oil resistance and tensile strength by increasing in the average diffusion path length in the NR matrix and enhancing the interaction between the modified Mt and the epoxide groups in ENR. The addition of 1.0 phr of modified Mt increased the tensile strength by 18% and decreased the elongation at break by 12% compared with a neat NR/ENR blend. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Enhancing interfacial adhesion performance by using poly(vinyl alcohol) in (low‐density polyethylene)/(natural rubber)/(water hyacinth fiber) composites

The effects of (a) the chemical modification of water hyacinth fiber by poly(vinyl alcohol) (WHF‐_PVA) and (b) loading on the properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/(natural rubber (NR))/(water hyacinth fiber (WHF)) composites were studied. Mechanical properties, water absorption behavior, morphology, and thermal properties were examined; X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopic analysis were done. The results indicated that LDPE/NR/WHF‐_PVA composites had higher values of tensile strength, Young's modulus, melting temperature, and water absorption resistance but lower elongation at break than LDPE/NR/WHF composites. The LDPE/NR/WHF‐_PVA composites had better interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the fibers than LDPE/NR/WHF composites, as shown by SEM results. The LDPE/NR/WHF‐_PVA composites exhibited lower interparticle spacing than LDPE/NR/WHF composites, a feature which enhanced the interparticle interaction between the water hyacinth fibers and the LDPE/NR matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:47–54, 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Surface modification and physical properties of various UHMWPE‐fiber‐reinforced modified epoxy composites

Two surface modification methods—plasma surface treatment and chemical agent treatment—were used to investigate their effects on the surface properties of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. In the analyses, performed using electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, changes in weight, and scanning electron microscope observations, demonstrated that the two fiber‐surface‐modified composites formed between UHMWPE fiber and epoxy matrix exhibited improved interfacial adhesion and slight improvements in tensile strengths, but notable decreases in elongation, relative to those properties of the composites reinforced with the untreated UHMWPE fibers. In addition, three kinds of epoxy resins—neat DGEBA, polyurethane‐crosslinked DGEBA, and BHHBP‐DGEBA—were used as resin matrices to examine the tensile and elongation properties of their UHMWPE fiber‐reinforced composites. From stress/strain measurements and scanning electron microscope observations, the resin matrix improved the tensile strength apparently, but did not affect the elongation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 655–665, 2007     

Totally bioresorbable composites prepared from poly(l‐lactide)‐co‐(trimethylene carbonate) copolymers and poly(l‐lactide)‐co‐(glycolide) fibers as cardiovascular stent material

This paper aims to evaluate the potential of totally bioresorbable composites as cardiovascular stent material. Copolymers were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of L ‐lactide (LLA) and 1,3‐trimethylene carbonate (TMC) with LLA‐TMC ratios of 3/1, 4/1, and 5/1 and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Wt. 5% of poly(L ‐lactide)‐co‐(glycolide) (PLGA) fibers are used to reinforce PTMC‐LLA copolymer matrices to prepare totally bioresorbable composites. Heat treatment under vacuum and oxygen plasma treatment are applied to improve the mechanical performance of the composites in terms of eliminating the imperfections inside, enhancing interfacial affinity, surface roughness, and enriching surface oxidative chemical bonds. After plasma treatment, the viscosity and tensile strength of the fibers decrease, but the surface chemical bonds are enriched and surface roughness is increased. The composites with 15‐min plasma‐treated fibers and 2 h heat treatment exhibit the highest tensile strength of 46 MPa, i.e., very close to that of PLLA (48 MPa), which is usually used as biodegradable stent material. Moreover, the tensile modulus of the above composite is 1711 MPa, which is only 34% of PLLA's modulus (4985 MPa). Therefore, novel composites with sufficient tensile strength and better flexibility are obtained as promising cardiovascular stent material. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal and mechanical properties of blended polyimide and amine‐functionalized poly(orthosiloxane) composites

Nanocomposite films were prepared through the blending of polyimide (PI) with octaphenyl silsesquioxane (OPS) and an amino‐functionalized analogue, octaaminophenyl silsesquioxane (OAPS), with a solution‐casting method. Although the PI–OPS composites showed visible phase separation at 5 wt %, the PI–OAPS composites were transparent with visible phase separation occurring only at 50 wt % OAPS. The interfacial interactions and homogeneity of the composites were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic mechanical analysis. SEM analysis showed a uniform fracture surface for OAPS composites at concentrations up to 20 wt %. Interestingly, OAPS‐rich particles with sizes of less than 1 μm were formed within the PI matrix for the 50 wt % composite. The PI–OAPS composites showed higher glass‐transition temperatures (T_g's) than the pure PI. The PI–OPS composites showed a T_g lower than that of the pure PI, and this suggested poor interfacial interactions. The slightly enhanced thermal stability of PI–OAPS composites (up to 20 wt %) was attributed to the inherent thermal stability of OAPS at higher temperatures. There were small increases in the modulus and strength for the composites with respect to the base polymer. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Effects of alkali and silane treatment on the mechanical properties of jute‐fiber‐reinforced recycled polypropylene composites

Jute‐fibers‐reinforced thermoplastic composites are widely used in the automobile, packaging, and electronic industries because of their various advantages such as low cost, ease of recycling, and biodegradability. However, the applications of these kinds of composites are limited because of their unsatisfactory mechanical properties, which are caused by the poor interfacial compatibility between jute fibers and the thermoplastic matrix. In this work, four methods, including (i) alkali treatment, (ii) alkali and silane treatment, (iii) alkali and (maleic anhydride)‐polypropylene (MAPP) treatment, and (iv) alkali, silane, and MAPP treatment (ASMT) were used to treat jute fibers and improve the interfacial adhesion of jute‐fiber‐reinforced recycled polypropylene composites (JRPCS). The mechanical properties and impact fracture surfaces of the composites were observed, and their fracture mechanism was analyzed. The results showed that ASMT composites possessed the optimum comprehensive mechanical properties. When the weight fraction of jute fibers was 15%, the tensile strength and impact toughness were increased by 46 and 36%, respectively, compared to those of untreated composites. The strongest interfacial adhesion between jute fibers and recycled polypropylene was obtained for ASMT composites. The fracture styles of this kind of composite included fiber breakage, fiber pull‐out, and interfacial debonding. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Enhancement of mechanical strength associated with interfacial tension between barium titanate and acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber with different acrylonitrile contents by surface modification

Acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) with different acrylonitrile (ACN) contents was filled with barium titanate (BT) to prepare the polymer dielectrics. The neat NBR, NBR/untreated BT, and NBR/bis‐(γ‐triethoxysilylpropyl)‐tetrasulfide (silane coupling agent KH845‐4) modified BT (MBT) composites were prepared. At low ACN content (ACN content 20 wt %), the tensile strength of the NBR/MBT composites increased by 173.6% from 2.69 to 7.36 MPa compared to the neat NBR. The pleasing results were not found in those composites with high ACN content. Both surface modifications of BT and NBR with low ACN content would result in lower interfacial tension between BT and NBR. A strong interfacial adhesion was observed between MBT and NBR with 20 wt % ACN content. The interfacial adhesion had great contribution to the mechanical strength of composites. Moreover, the dielectric properties of composites were also investigated in detail. The addition of BT enhanced the dielectric constant of composites markedly. This study can be applied in manufacturing electronic devices, which are subjected to oily environments for a long time. At the same time, the study can provide some help for researchers to select the polymer matrix and the appropriate surface modification agent of functional filler. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45936.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Surface modification of aramid fibers with novel chemical approach

Friedel–Crafts Reaction as a simple and convenient approach to the surface modification of aramid fiber was introduced in this paper. Epoxy chloropropane was chosen as the treatment reagent to modify aramid fibers surface via Graft reaction. After the modification, the interfacial properties of aramid/epoxy composites were investigated by the single fiber pull-out test (SFP), and the mechanical properties of aramid fibers were investigated by the tensile strength test. The results showed that the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) value of aramid/epoxy composites was enhanced by about 50%, and the tensile strength of aramid fibers had no obvious damage. The crystalline state of aramid fibers was determined by X-ray diffraction instrument (XRD), and the results showed that there were not any distinct crystal type varieties. The surface elements of aramid fibers were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the analysis of which showed that the oxygen/carbon ratio of aramid fiber surface increased obviously. The possible changes of the chemical structure of aramid fibers were investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), and the analysis of which showed that the epoxy functional groups were grafted into the molecule structure of aramid fibers. The surface morphology of aramid fibers was analyzed by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the SEM results showed that the physical structure of aramid fibers was not etched or damaged obviously. The surface energy of aramid fibers was investigated via the dynamic capillary method, and the results showed that the surface energy was enhanced by 31.5%, and then the wettability degree of aramid fiber surface was enhanced obviously too. All of the results indicated that this novel chemical modification approach not only can improve the interfacial bonding strength of aramid/epoxy composites remarkably, but also have no negative influence on the intrinsic tensile strength of aramid fibers.     

Surface modification of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene. II. Effect on the physicomechanical and tribological properties of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) composites

We performed surface modification of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) through chromic acid etching, with the aim of improving the performance of its composites with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers. In this article, we report on the morphology and physicomechanical and tribological properties of modified UHMWPE/PET composites. Composites containing chemically modified UHMWPE had higher impact properties than those based on unmodified UHMWPE because of improved interfacial bonding between the polymer matrix and the fibers and better dispersion of the fibers within the modified UHMWPE matrix. Chemical modification of UHMWPE before the introduction of PET fibers resulted in composites exhibiting improved wear resistance compared to the base material and compared to unmodified UHMWPE/PET composites. On the basis of the morphological studies of worn samples, microploughing and fatigue failure associated with microcracking were identified as the principle wear mechanisms. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006     

Concentration effect of γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane on the mechanical properties of glass fiber–epoxy composites

In this study, glass fibers were modified using γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane of different concentrations to improve the interfacial adhesion at interfaces between fibers and matrix. Effects of γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane on mechanical properties and fracture behavior of glass fiber/epoxy composites were investigated experimentally. Mechanical properties of the composites have been investigated by tensile tests, short beam tests, and flexural tests. The short‐beam method was used to measure the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of laminates. The tensile and flexural properties of composites were characterized by tensile and three‐point bending tests, respectively. The fracture surfaces of the composites were observed with a scanning electron microscope. On comparing the results obtained for the different concentrations of silane solution, it was found that the 0.5% GPS silane treatment provided the best mechanical properties. The ILSS value of heat‐cleaned glass fiber reinforced composite is enhanced by ∼59% as a result of the glass fiber treatment with 0.5% γ‐GPS. Also, an improvement of about 37% in tensile strength, about 78% in flexural strength of the composite with the 0.5% γ‐GPS treatment of glass fibers was observed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A novel grafting‐modified waste rubber powder as filler in natural rubber vulcanizates

Polycardanol was synthesized from cardanol, paraformaldehyde, p‐toluenesulfonic acid, phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), and phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) via a two‐step process. Results indicated that polycardanol is an acid with high molecular weight and can be self‐crosslinked at high temperature. A modified WRP (MWRP) grafted by long chain can be obtained from the reaction between WRP and polycardanol. The sulfur content of MWRP is 0.27%, which is lower than that of WRP by 0.47%. The oxygen content of MWRP is higher by 13% than that of WRP. The phosphorus content of MWRP reaches 5.25%. The water contact angle of MWRP is 91.5°, whereas that of WRP is 123.7°. The properties of the WRP/NR and MWRP/NR composites were also investigated. MWRP/NR possesses higher tensile strength than WRP/NR because of the enhanced interfacial interaction between MWRP and the NR matrix. Post‐treatment is also conducive for MWRP/NR to improve its tensile strength at high MWRP content. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 42993.     

Dynamic mechanical properties of oil palm microfibril‐reinforced natural rubber composites

The dynamic mechanical properties of macro and microfibers of oil palm‐reinforced natural rubber (NR) composites were investigated as a function of fiber content, temperature, treatment, and frequency. By the incorporation of macrofiber to NR, the storage modulus (E') value increases while the damping factor (tan δ) shifts toward higher temperature region. As the fiber content increases the damping nature of the composite decreases because of the increased stiffness imparted by the natural fibers. By using the steam explosion method, the microfibrils were separated from the oil palm fibers. These fibers were subjected to treatments such as mercerization, benzoylation, and silane treatment. Resorcinol‐hexamethylenetetramine‐hydrated silica was also used as bonding agent to increase the fiber/matrix adhesion. The storage modulus value of untreated and treated microfibril‐reinforced composites was higher than that of macrofiber‐reinforced composites. The T_g value obtained for this microfibril‐reinforced composites were slightly higher than that of macrofiber‐reinforced composites. The activation energy for the relaxation processes in different composites was also calculated. The morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy of tensile fracture surfaces of treated and untreated composites indicated better fiber/matrix adhesion in the case of treated microfibril‐reinforced composites. Finally, attempts were made to correlate the experimental dynamic properties with the theoretical predictions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Surface‐modified halloysite nanotubes reinforced poly(lactic acid) for use in biodegradable coronary stents

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was reinforced halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in this study. To improve dispersion and interfacial adhesion of HNTs within the PLA matrix, HNTs were surface modified with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (ASP) prior to compounding with PLA. PLA/ASP‐HNTs nanocomposites were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), surface wettability, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and tensile testing. The hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility of PLA and PLA composites were investigated and the in vitro degradation process of PLA/ASP‐HNTs composites was investigated for a period of 6 months by gel permeation chromatography, FTIR, weight loss measurement, DSC, and tensile testing. PLA and all PLA composites were blood compatibile and non‐cytotoxic. TEM analysis revealed that HNTs agglomeration in PLA matrix was reduced by surface treatment with ASP. ASP‐HNTs had better reinforcing effect than unmodified HNTs evidenced by tensile testing. ASP‐HNTs appeared to increase the hydrolytic degradation process as measured by weight measurement. PLA/ASP‐HNTs composites displayed 12.1% weight loss and 30.6% average molecular weight reduction while retaining 74% of Young's modulus by the 24th week of degradation. Based on this data, the reinforcement of PLA using ASP‐HNTs may prove beneficial for applications such as biodegradable stents. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46521.