Abstract
The properties of microcellular polylactic acid (PLA)/organic modified montmorillonite (OMMT) clays and PLA/sericite powder (SP) nanocomposites were investigated and compared in terms of thermal property, rheological property, particles dispersability, and cell microstructure. The batch-foaming process uses carbon dioxide as the physical blowing agent. According to the transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction characterization, fillers (i.e., OMMT and SP) have good dispersions in PLA matrices. The thermal and rheological properties of solid PLA composites are demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry and capillary rheometer, respectively. The microcellular morphology of fractured cross-sectional surfaces is characterized by scanning electron microscope. The batch-foamed PLA composites have more uniform cells in comparison with foamed pure PLA parts due to the mineral particles.
©2012 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston
