Adding Value in Production of Multifunctional Polylactide (PLA)-ZnO Nanocomposite Films through Alternative Manufacturing Methods.

ABSTRACT: Due to the added value conferred by zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller, e.g., UV protection, antibacterial action, gas-barrier properties, poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-ZnO nanocomposites show increased interest for utilization as films, textile fibers, and injection molding items. The study highlights the beneficial effects of premixing ZnO in PLA under given conditions and its use as masterbatch (MB), a very promising alternative manufacturing technique. This approach allows reducing the residence time at high processing temperature of the thermo-sensitive PLA matrix in contact of ZnO nanoparticles known for their aptitude to promote degradation effects onto the polyester chains. Various PLA-ZnO MBs containing high contents of silane-treated ZnO nanoparticles (up to 40 wt.% nanofiller specifically tr

SUBMITTER: Murariu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8038199 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature