Green polymer nanocomposites: Formation via plastic deformation, structure, properties and new application opportunities

Abstract

Through the example of polylactide (PLA) and poly (1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS), the possibility of making sustainable “green nanocomposites” by slit die extrusion process in a single screw extruder has been investigated. The main feature of the received structures is the formation of stable shear bands. Their role in the crazing development and their mutual interaction under uniaxial tension for PLA and PLA/PBS composite was investigated by in-situ tensile testing in the SEM experiments. It has been established that pre-existing shear bands contributes to ductility by blocking and diffusing standard craze growth. Moreover, PBS nanofibers, formed by extrusion, additionally confer to ductile character of PLA/PBS composites by providing pre-existing shear bands and craze rotation. Tensile experiments revealed an essential growth of ductility and retaining of high strength and stiffness of the extruded PLA and PLA/PBS composite.