Nanodiamond/poly (lactic acid) nanocomposites: Effect of nanodiamond on structure and properties of poly (lactic acid)

Yong Qing Zhao, Kin Tak Lau, Jang Kyo Kim, Cai Ling Xu, Dan Dan Zhao, Hu Lin Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nanodiamond (ND)/poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites with potential for biological and biomedical applications were prepared by using melting compound methods. By means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), Dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Tensile test, the ND/PLA nanocomposites were investigated, and thus the effect of ND on the structural, thermal and mechanical properties of polymer matrix was demonstrated for the first time. Experimental results showed that the mechanical properties and thermal stability of PLA matrix were significantly improved, as ND was incorporated into the PLA matrix. For example, the storage modulus (E′) of 3 wt% ND/PLA nanocomposites was 0.7 GPa at 130 °C which was 75% higher than that of neat PLA, and the initial thermal decomposition was delayed 10.1 °C for 1 wt% ND/PLA nanocomposites compared with the neat PLA. These improvements could be ascribed to the outstanding physical properties of ND, homogeneous dispersion of ND nanoclusters, unique ND bridge morphology and good adhesion between PLA matrix and ND in the ND/PLA nanocomposites.

Original languageBritish English
Pages (from-to)646-653
Number of pages8
JournalComposites Part B: Engineering
Volume41
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010

Keywords

  • A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
  • B. Mechanical properties
  • B. Thermal properties

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