A comparison of physical, morphological, and mechanical properties of bio‐polyester hybrid nanocomposites

Abstract

It is imperative to improve the physical, morphological, and mechanical properties of biodegradable polymers like polylactic acid (PLA), poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), and polycaprolactone (PCL) in order to employ them on a larger scale. The development of hybrid nanocomposite materials using nano inclusions can improve desired qualities. Here we introduced an interactive nano reinforcement approach to improve the properties by combining graphene oxide (GO) and carboxyl functionalized MWCNT (f‐MWCNT), to provide for their chemical bonding for synergic reinforcement. A constant filler 2 wt.% was added to the biopolyesters by melt blending process and examined the different physical properties like water absorption, intrinsic viscosity, and hardness. To completely evaluate the functionalization of the nanofillers, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared radiation (FTIR) analyses were used. The paired nanoparticles and polymer matrix appear to mix well together, as shown by electron microscopy, which also reveals good dispersion and the creation of a reinforcing network microstructure across the matrix layer. A thorough analysis of the results showed that effective stress transmission, delaying the start of faults and generating microcracks, and dissipating additional mechanical energy all contributed to efficient hybrid network formation, which improved the mechanical properties of hybrid filler nanocomposites except some nanocomposites. These findings offer a viable technique for chemically altering biodegradable polymers, like PLA, PBAT, and PCL for use in biomedical, wastewater management, and agricultural applications.