Effect of Nanoclay Cloisite 20A on Mechanichal and Thermal Properties of Polylactic acid for Use in Biodegradable Food Packaging Applications

In this research, polylactic acid/clay nanocomposites with modified thermal properties were prepared using different amounts of Cloisite® 20A (1, 3 and 5 phr) for use in biodegradable packaging. A nanocomposite containing Fusabond® E265, as compatibilizer, was also prepared to investigate effect of this compatibilizer on mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposite. It was found that introduction of nanoclay at its optimum content modified thermal properties of the nanocomposite and presence of Fusabond increased ductility of the nanocomposite

Keywords:

Polylactic acid , Nanoclay , Nanocomposites , Mechanical Properties , Thermal Properties